INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

International Competition

Alan Hurst: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans he has to assist poor countries to protect their farmers and traders against unfair international competition; and if he will make a statement.

Hilary Benn: DFID supports the inclusion of 'Special Products' and the 'Special Safeguard Mechanism' in order to assist farmers and traders in poor countries.
	Loosely defined, 'Special Products' are those that are of particular importance to the rural development, and food security, of the country in which they are grown. The farmers of these products should thus be subject to lesser liberalisation commitments.
	The 'Special Safeguard Mechanism' would allow developing countries to temporarily protect agricultural products from sudden import surges, which threaten the viability of domestic producers.
	Both concepts were included in general terms in the July 2004 World Trade Organisation Framework agreement, setting out the negotiating agenda for the ministerial meeting in Hong Kong in December 2005 and will be consolidated and refined as the negotiations progress.
	DFID is currently funding a project involving developing country delegates, research institutes and NGOs to assist with this process, and to assist farmers and traders in poor countries.

TRANSPORT

Advertising/Public Relations

Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much was spent by his Department in (a) 1996–97 and (b) the last year for which figures are available on (i) advertising and (ii) public relations.

Charlotte Atkins: The Department for Transport was formed on 29 May 2002. It has spent £10.3 million on advertising primarily on the THINK road safety campaign.
	For details of expenditure on public relations, I refer the hon. Member to my predecessor's reply to the hon. Member for South-West Bedfordshire (Andrew Selous) on 22 July 2004, Official Report, column 650W.

Airports

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received regarding the High Court ruling on a judicial review of airports in Britain; and what impact this will have on the Cliffe site in the Thames Estuary.

Charlotte Atkins: The Secretary of State has not received any representations regarding the High Court granting of permission for the three legal challenges to the Future of Air Transport White Paper to proceed to judicial review.
	The Government's policy was set out in the White Paper, including their conclusions on the Cliffe option.

Airstrips

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what his policy is regarding proposals to license individual airstrips; and what measures he will put in place to help those airline charities which would be affected by increased charges.

Charlotte Atkins: The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is responsible for the day-to-day regulation of airstrips and has no new proposals to license individual airstrips. Existing provisions for the licensing of aerodromes for the public transport of passengers and instruction in flying are contained in Article 101 of the Air Navigation Order 2000.
	As regards flights in aid of charity, arrangements have been in place since 1988 for CAA permission to be given, for example so that a private individual can donate a flight as a prize in a charity draw. The conditions under which such flights may be conducted are set out in an Aeronautical Information Circular (AIC 76/2003 (White 88)). The CAA makes no charge in relation to this permission.
	An airline does not need permission for a flight in aid of charity, as its operations are subject to the requirements for public transport flying.

Caravans (Motorway Restrictions)

Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to repeat the trial scheme restricting caravans to the inside lane on the M5 on other motorways in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement.

David Jamieson: The Highways Agency currently has no plans to repeat the trial elsewhere on the network.

Caravans (Motorway Restrictions)

Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to evaluate the effectiveness of the pilot scheme on the M5 at Bristol which restricts vehicles towing caravans to the inside lane; if he will publish his evaluation; and if he will make a statement.

David Jamieson: The Highways Agency is currently evaluating the effectiveness of the pilot scheme, which ended on 28 August. It is anticipated that an announcement will be made when the evaluation is complete this autumn.

Departmental Fraud Costs

Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate his Department has made of the cost of fraud to (a) his Department and (b) the executive agencies affiliated to his Department in each of the last five years.

Charlotte Atkins: The answer covers the period since the Department was formed on 29 May 2002 and since that date the estimated cost of fraud (including theft) in my Department including the executive agencies are as follows:
	
		
			  Central department Agencies Total (£) 
		
		
			 2002–03 757 73,560 74,317 
			 2003–04 8,439 76,164 84,603 
		
	
	Assets have been valued at cost, net book value or replacement cost depending on the circumstances of the individual case. Recoveries from perpetrators or others, e.g. insurance claims, have been netted off. Some incidents are still under investigation and final values may change.

Departmental Thefts

Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the items that his Department has reported lost or stolen to the police from his Department's buildings and property since 2001.

Charlotte Atkins: The answer covers the period since the Department was formed on 29 May 2002 and since that date the following items listed below have been reported to the police by my Department as lost or stolen:
	The answer to the question only includes buildings occupied by staff in the Central Department. To obtain a full answer including the executive agencies would involve disproportionate cost.
	Theft of wallet
	Theft of personal cheques (2 occurrences)
	Loss of building passes (2 occurrences)

Departmental Thefts

Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the equivalent monetary cost of theft to (a) his Department and (b) the Executive agencies affiliated to his Department was in each year since his Department was established.

Charlotte Atkins: The answer covers the period since the Department was formed on 29 May 2002 and since that date the estimated cost of theft in my Department including the Executive agencies is as follows:
	
		£
		
			  2002–03 2003–04 
		
		
			 Central Department 757 7,659 
			 Agencies 47,043 57,349 
			 Total 47,800 65,008 
		
	
	Assets have been valued at cost, net book value or replacement cost depending on the circumstances of the individual case. Recoveries from perpetrators or others, e.g. insurance claims, have been netted off. Some incidents are still under investigation and final values may change.

M1

Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport for what reasons the southbound carriageway of the M1 motorway was closed at Junction 11 on 23 August; who authorised the closure; for how long the motorway was closed; and what assessment he has made of the necessity for closure.

Tony McNulty: At approximately 14:50 hours on Monday 23 August, a pedestrian jumped from the bridge that crosses the motorway at Hatters Way, Luton into the path of an oncoming lorry. He sustained fatal injuries. The death has been recorded by HM Coroner's office as suicide.
	Bedfordshire Police immediately closed the southbound carriageway in order to carry out their investigations.
	A symbol signed diversion route was set up for road users affected by the carriageway closure. Other strategic signs were set further north of the incident warning of the closure.
	This was a particularly difficult investigation and clear up task for all involved. The body of the deceased was further struck by other approaching vehicles; thus raising both the sensitivity and the complexity of the police operation.
	The carriageway was re-opened to traffic at 18:10 hours.

M20

Jonathan R Shaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will ensure that the siting of noise abatement fencing along the M20 between junctions 4 and 5 takes appropriate account of the approval of additional housing in the area.

David Jamieson: holding answer 14 September 2004
	It is the responsibility of the local planning authority, Tonbridge and Mailing borough council to consider Whether noise mitigation measures should be provided by the developer of sites in their area in line with current guidance on planning and noise.
	Currently there are proposals for a noise bund within Leybourne Grange development site near the M20 at Junction 4.
	In addition the Highways Agency is carrying out further studies to determine what noise mitigation measures would be appropriate at existing housing sites between Junctions 4 and 5.

Medway/London Rail Services

Jonathan R Shaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will take steps to prevent the implementation of the reduction in the Cannon Street service from Medway to London proposed by the Strategic Rail Authority.

Tony McNulty: The Strategic Rail Authority is continuing to develop the train service specification for the integrated Kent franchise in the light of responses to its consultation earlier this year. When final decisions are made, a stakeholder briefing document will be issued giving information on consultees' comments and the final train specification.

PowerShift Grants

David Chaytor: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many applications for Powershift grants for the Toyota Prius were (a) submitted and (b) approved in (i) 2002–03, (ii) 2003–04 and (iii) 2004–05 to date; and how many of the approvals were for (A) new and (B) demonstrator vehicles.

David Jamieson: holding answer 14 September 2004
	The Toyota Prius is listed on the PowerShift Register and is eligible for a £700 grant where used in England/Wales/Northern Ireland. A separate scheme operates in Scotland. The number of applications approved and paid for PowerShift grants for Toyota Prius from year 2002 to date in England/Wales/N Ireland are as follows:
	
		(a) Applications submitted and for which a grant offerletter has been issued(1)
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 2002–03 1 
			 2003–04 412 
			 2004–05 1,045 
		
	
	(1) Number of applications that have failed before reaching grant offer stage is not recorded onto the applications database.
	
		(b) Grants paid
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 2002–03 0 
			 2003–04 146 
			 2004–05 (2)117 
		
	
	(2) To end August.
	A grant is available to the first owner (person or organisation) to register a PowerShift approved vehicle, subject to meeting the usual eligibility criteria (i.e. must operate in England, Wales or Northern Ireland). This includes dealer demonstrator vehicles that are registered, but the number of applications in respect of demonstrator vehicles is not recorded separately.

Railways

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many dismantled railway lines in the UK have been (a) re-instated and (b) safeguarded since 1990; and what the cost of re-instated lines was in each case.

Tony McNulty: No consolidated record is kept of the position of dismantled railway lines. The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) is aware of 13 re-instated lines available for use by passenger trains. Safeguarding is a matter for local authorities and the SRA is not aware of any central register. The SRA does not maintain a central record of the costs of re-instated railway lines.

Railways

Andrew Bennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 
	(1)  why the new signalling system promised for Stockport station is not yet operational;
	(2)  why engineers have been brought from India to fix the old signalling system at Stockport station;
	(3)  when the new signalling system at Stockport station will be operational;
	(4)  why the crossover points between Heaton Chapel station and Stockport station have been removed.

Tony McNulty: These are operational matters for Network Rail. Network Rail will respond directly to my hon. Friend.

Recruitment/Consultants

Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much was spent by his Department in (a) 1996–97 and (b) the last year for which figures are available on (i) headhunters, (ii) recruitment consultants and (iii) management consultants.

Charlotte Atkins: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my predecessor to the hon. Member for South-West Bedfordshire (Andrew Selous) on 22 July 2004, Official Report, column 650W.

ENVIRONMENT FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Bathing Water (South-West)

Hugo Swire: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what central Government funding is available in the South West region to meet the cost of compliance with the EU Bathing Water Directive.

Elliot Morley: There is no central Government funding available to meet the cost of compliance with the EU Bathing Water Directive for the South West or any other region. It is for sewerage undertakers to comply with the Directive, and the costs are taken into account by Ofwat in setting price limits.

Departmental Costs

John Whittingdale: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much her Department spent on (a) head-hunters and recruitment consultants and (b) management consultants in (i) 1996–97 and (ii) the latest year for which figures are available.

Alun Michael: Defra came into being in June 2001. From information held centrally, the Department spent £520,354 in financial year 2002–03, and £619,213 in financial year 2003–04, on recruitment services.
	The Department also spent £190,212 in financial year 2002–03, and £189,319 in financial year 2003–04, on recruitment advertising.
	Information on management consultants is not held centrally and the information cannot be provided at proportionate cost.

Departmental Costs

Richard Ottaway: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much the Department and its predecessors spent on recruitment consultants in (a) 1996–97 and (b) the last year for which figures are available.

Alun Michael: Defra came into being in June 2001. From information held centrally, the Department spent £520,354 in financial year 2002–03, and £619,213 in financial year 2003–04, on recruitment services.
	The Department also spent £190,212 in financial year 2002–03, and £189,319 in financial year 2003–04, on recruitment advertising.
	Information on management consultants is not held centrally and the information cannot be provided at proportionate cost.

Employment Tribunals

Malcolm Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many cases against her Department, the agencies for which it is responsible and its predecessor organisations have been brought to employment tribunals in each year since 1997 in relation to (a) equal pay, (b) sex discrimination, (c) race discrimination, (d) disability discrimination and (e) unfair dismissal; how many cost awards were made against (i) respondents and (ii) applicants; and how much has been spent (A) settling and (B) contesting claims.

Alun Michael: Defra came into existence in 2001. Since then the number of cases brought against the Department and the agencies for which it is responsible is as follows:
	
		
			  Equal pay Sex discrimination Race discrimination Disability discrimination Unfair dismissal 
		
		
			 2001 — — — — 1 
			 2002 — 1 1 3 4 
			 2003 — 1 — — 1 
			 2004 1 1 1 6 2 
			 Total 1 3 2 9 8 
		
	
	The one equal pay case is currently on-going pending appeal and no costs have been awarded as yet. One of the six unfair dismissal cases for 2004 has been settled, all other 2004 cases are continuing. For the other cases listed there were no awards made against my Department and its agencies during the years quoted but a total of £30,553 has been paid in agreed settlements.
	The total amount spent on contesting these claims could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Fur Farms

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many fur farms are licensed in England.

Ben Bradshaw: None. The Fur Farming (Prohibition) Act 2000 has banned fur farming in England since 31 December 2002.

Parish/Town Councillors

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what help is available for the training of parish and town councillors and clerks; and what level of funding her Department provides to assist in such training.

Alun Michael: The Government wish to encourage all town and parish councils to reach the standards of the best. To achieve this, councillors and clerks need a wide range of skills to act as the voice of their communities, deliver services and create strong local partnerships. Therefore, town and parish councils should be actively supporting their councillors and clerks to participate in training and continuing professional development.
	The Rural White Paper (November 2000) established the "QUALITY" town and parish council scheme and provided £2 million in assistance to help councils meet the new quality standards and establish a national strategy to provide training and support for parish and town councils.
	The National Training Strategy for parish and town councils was published in November 2001 in partnership with the Government, the Countryside Agency, the National Association of Local Councils and the Society of Local Council Clerks. Jointly, these organisations have used the £2 million mentioned above to:
	Establish County Training Partnerships made up of local bodies that specialise in providing training for the parish council sector (38 partnerships established);
	Develop a professional qualification for clerks, the Certificate in Local Council Administration (over 600 registrations for the certificate, 138 certificates awarded so far);
	Create a distance learning package for clerks and councillors (completed by some 800 clerks as of 1 September 2004);
	Produce a handbook for councillors, "The Good Councillors Guide" (80,000 copies issued); and
	Produce an award winning training video, "What's on the Agenda".
	In addition, through the Countryside Agency, Defra is providing over £300,000 this year to continue developing County Training Partnerships and County Associations of Local Councils to act as support infrastructure for parish and town councils. Some £40,000 of this money is used to provide a bursary scheme to help small councils meet their training costs.

Potato and Vegetable Farming

John Grogan: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans her Department is making for allocating single farm entitlements with authorisation to grow potatoes and vegetables; and what criteria will be applied in the process.

Alun Michael: Forms will be issued in March 2005 for farmers to apply, by 16 May, for the allocation of Single Payment Scheme entitlements and for payment against those entitlements. As part of the application process, eligible farmers will be able to ask for a number of their entitlements to have an authorisation attached. Those allocated entitlements with an authorisation will be able to grow fruit, vegetables and potatoes on the equivalent number of hectares which they will need to have to support their annual claim for payment against those entitlements.
	Eligibility for the allocation of entitlements with authorisations will be restricted by regional ceilings, which represent the average number of hectares of fruit, vegetables and potatoes that were grown in each region in the period 2000–02. Allocations to individual farmers will be based first on the number of hectares they grew of those crops in 2003. If there is any headroom remaining between the regional ceiling and the number of individual claims based on 2003 production, then 2004 production may also be taken into account. If there still remains headroom under the ceiling then 2005 production may additionally be taken into account. With this in mind, farmers who wish to claim entitlements with authorisations will be asked to provide details of their 2003, 2004 and 2005 production of fruit, vegetable and potatoes on their application forms. Entitlements, including those with authorisations, will be allocated by the end of 2005.

Potato and Vegetable Farming

John Grogan: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the impact of Common Agricultural Policy reform regulations on the availability of land for let to specialist potato and vegetable growers in 2005.

Alun Michael: Some concerns have been raised that the introduction of the Single Payment in 2005 could affect the willingness of landowners to let land in that year. The Department has discussed these issues with representatives of the farming industry and their professional advisers and our view remains that the interests of both landowners and growers can be protected by appropriate contractual arrangements between the two parties.

Refrigerators

Sue Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many refrigeration unit storage and treatment facilities have been found to be in breach of regulations relating to the implementation of European Council Regulation No. 2037/2000 since it came into force; and what action was taken in each case.

Elliot Morley: The Environment Agency has concluded three successful prosecutions against operators of fridge storage facilities. These have resulted in penalties of £35,000, £15,000 and a four-month custodial sentence respectively, reflecting the seriousness with which the Government and the Courts regard these offences. In addition a number of warning letters and enforcement notices have been served, requiring fridge treatment plant operators to comply with licence conditions.

Refrigerators

Sue Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many (a) storage and (b) treatment facilities for refrigeration units there are in England and Wales; and how many of these have been inspected by the Environment Agency since European Council Regulation No. 2037/2000 came into force.

Elliot Morley: 78 sites are licensed to store fridges, although all may not be operational. 19 sites are licensed for the treatment of fridges.
	The sites have been inspected in accordance with the Environment Agency's Operator and Pollution Risk Appraisal (OPRA) system and the Waste Management Facility Site Inspection Methodology. Under OPRA, these sites would initially have been inspected at monthly intervals. The assessments of operators' performance consider both the type and severity of non-compliance and the environmental significance of that breach or non-compliance.

Refrigerators

Sue Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the total cost to (a) central Government and (b) local authorities of meeting the requirements of European Council Regulation No.2037/2000 as they relate to refrigeration units has been since 1 January 2002.

Elliot Morley: The Government were responsible for securing provision for additional costs that local government faced as a result of the ozone depleting substance Regulation 2037/00.
	A special grant of £40 million was provided for additional costs that local authorities in England incurred as a result of implementing the Regulation for the period 2002–03.
	£6 million was provided in the 2002–03 local government finance settlement to cover the period 1 January to 31 March 2002.
	The Spending Review of 2002 included provision within the Environmental, Protective and Cultural Services block for the continuing costs for 2003–04 onwards, which was incorporated into the special/hazardous wastes allocation.
	Estimates for future expenditure have also been incorporated into the Spending Review for hazardous wastes. The actual amounts are significantly less than in 2002–03, because of the decrease in cost of the disposal of refrigeration units and the consequences of implementing producer responsibility under the waste electronic and electrical equipment directive (WEEE).

Refrigerators

Sue Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what percentage of the ozone depleting substances covered by European Council Regulation No. 2037/2000 have been recovered from (a) domestic refrigeration and (b) commercial refrigeration units since the implementation of the regulation, broken down by (i) refrigerant fluid and (ii) foaming agent.

Elliot Morley: The information is not available in the form requested as the data on the recovery of ozone depleting substances (ODS) do not identify the equipment from which they were recovered. In addition, it is not possible to calculate the percentage of ODS recovered from the refrigerant fluids. This is because, it is not known how much refrigerant fluid is in the unit on arrival at the licensed waste management site, as many units are damaged in use or transit, and fluid will have escaped before the units are received for disposal.
	The following information is given.
	The sites recovering ODS from foam, principally in relation to domestic units, range from a recovery rate of 40 per cent. to 80 per cent. of the theoretical maximum. The Environment Agency is currently investigating the reasons for this large variation.
	The total amount of ODS including CFCs recovered from all equipment was: 387 tonnes in 2002 and;
	494 tonnes in 2003.

Refrigerators

Sue Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what procedures are in place to ensure that (a) handling, (b) removal and (c) storage of refrigeration units results in minimal leakage of ozone depleting substances; and what measures exist to ensure an accurate monitoring of leakage.

Elliot Morley: Sites for the storage of fridges are regulated under the Waste Management Licensing Regulations 1994. A site licence is required and the standard permit requires storage of fridges to comply with a number of conditions, many of which are specifically aimed at reducing damage to refrigeration units while they are in storage. Compliance with these conditions is assessed during routine inspections.
	Since most storage takes place outside, monitoring of leakage using instrumentation does not take place. However, the Environment Agency visually inspects the conditions under which fridges are stored and compliance with storage conditions minimises the risk of leakage from the coolant circuit.
	Monitoring equipment is employed at the treatment facilities and emissions are analysed at the destruction facilities for recovered ozone depleting substances.

Severely Disadvantaged Areas

Ian Liddell-Grainger: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many farms are located within land designated as (a) moorland within the upland severely disadvantaged area and (b) other land within the upland severely disadvantaged area.

Alun Michael: The number of farms that have submitted an area aid application for 2004 and are located within land designated as (a) moorland within the severely disadvantaged area is 30 and (b) other land within the severely disadvantaged area is 2,778.

Severely Disadvantaged Areas

Ian Liddell-Grainger: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many farms straddle the border between land classified as moorland within the upland severely disadvantaged area and other land within the upland severely disadvantaged area.

Alun Michael: The number of farms that have both land classified as moorland within the upland severely disadvantaged area and other land within the upland severely disadvantaged area is 3,068.

Sudden Oak Death Syndrome

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the risk from sudden oak death syndrome to woodlands in the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; and if she will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: Central Science Laboratory and Forest Research have prepared a Pest Risk Assessment (PRA) for the whole of Great Britain which concludes that a number of tree species are potentially at risk from Phytophthora ramorum, the cause of Sudden Oak Death. The PRA also compared long-term British climatic data with that in Oregon where the disease is also present. This suggests that it is principally the south and the west of the country that are at the highest risk. The Forestry Commission completed a nation-wide survey of trees earlier this year and no evidence of the disease was found in trees at any of the 1,217 sites visited, which included some sites in the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Forestry Commission has just completed a second more limited survey of 109 plots in England and Wales. While some of the 73 samples taken are still being processed, to date none of these have proved positive for P. ramorum.

Travel Costs

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the travel costs were of civil servants in (a) her Department, (b) the predecessor Department and (c) the related agencies in each year since 1997.

Alun Michael: The following table shows overall departmental expenditure recorded since the Department was formed in 2001. These figures exclude agency figures which are shown in the agency table. There are no figures provided for the period prior to Defra's formation as Defra was formed primarily from two predecessor Departments and as this information could only be provided incurring disproportionate cost.
	
		£000
		
			 Year end 31 March Departmental travel 
		
		
			 2001–02 11,192 
			 2002–03 7,170 
			 2003–04 7,069 
		
	
	The figures for 2001–02 and 2002–03 include travel expenses incurred as a result of foot and mouth disease.
	All travel was in accordance with the requirements of the Civil Service Management Code.
	The expenditure figures for related agencies of civil servants in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is as follows:
	
		£000
		
			  Defra agencies 
		
		
			 2001–02 4,065 
			 2002–03 4,205 
			 2003–04 4,951 
		
	
	Note:
	The Defra agencies include: Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Central Science Laboratory, Pesticide Safety Directorate, Rural Payments Agency, Veterinary Laboratories Agency, Veterinary Medicines Directorate.

Veterinary Antibiotics

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what proportion of the total tonnage of veterinary antibiotics used in the UK, in the most recent year for which figures are available, were used for (a) farm animals and (b) domestic and other animals.

Ben Bradshaw: The VMD collects and publishes figures annually on the UK sales of veterinary antimicrobials, including those sold for use in both food producing and non-food producing animals. It is reasonable to assume that there is a close correlation between these figures and the quantities of antimicrobials used in the UK. These figures are collected on a voluntary basis and the reports are available on the VMD web site at www.vmd.gov.uk under the publications and general tabs or from Dr. Kay Goodyear (telephone 01932 338409).
	The most recent available figures show that of the 457 tonnes of active ingredient of veterinary therapeutic antimicrobials sold for use in 2002, 403 tonnes were products indicated for use in food-producing animals only, 24 tonnes were indicated for use in non food-producing animals only and 30 tonnes were indicated for use in both food-producing and non food-producing animals.

Water (South-West)

Hugo Swire: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she has held with Ofwat about recent increases in water rates in the South West.

Elliot Morley: The Secretary of State has not met with Ofwat recently. However, I have meetings with Philip Fletcher, Director General of Water Services, from time to time at which we discuss a range of issues including water prices.

Water (South-West)

Hugo Swire: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what central Government funding is available to defray the cost of replacing and updating water and sewerage pipes in the South West.

Elliot Morley: There is no central Government funding for pipe or sewer replacement for any area. It is for water and sewerage undertakers to maintain their networks, and the costs are taken into account by Ofwat in setting price limits.

Water Framework Directive

Robert Key: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what progress she has made on implementing the Water Framework Directive; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 13 September 2004
	The Water Framework Directive sets out a staged timetable, up to 2015, for member states to transpose it into national law and implement its requirements.
	The directive was transposed into English law at the turn of the year and implementation is well under way. Notification of the UK competent authorities was sent to the European Commission on 22 June 2004. The next key stage is the characterisation of river basin districts, identifying the pressures and impacts of human activity on the water environment, which must be completed by 22 December 2004. The Environment Agency, as competent authority for England and Wales, is working hard to ensure timely delivery of this analysis. They published initial characterisation results for public review on 1 September 2004.

Woodland Grant Scheme

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many applications were made to the Woodland Grant Scheme in each of the last three years; how many were successful; and what was the total sum of grant awarded in each year.

Ben Bradshaw: For the Forestry Commission's Woodland Grant Scheme in England the number of applications made, number approved and the value of the grants in the approved schemes since 2001 are given in the following table.
	
		
			 Financial year Woodland grant scheme applications Approved schemes Value of grants in approved schemes (£ million) 
		
		
			 2001–02 2,500 2,184 17.9 
			 2002–03 2,801 2,239 18.4 
			 2003–04 3,017 2,333 23.0 
		
	
	Note:
	The processing of applications takes a number of weeks so applications may have been received in a different year to that in which they were approved.

Woodland Grant Scheme

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many applications under the Woodland Grant Scheme were received between 1 April and 28 June; what the total sum of money applied for was; how many of these applications have been successful; and what the total sum of grant approved is.

Ben Bradshaw: The Forestry Commission received a total of 700 applications for a total of £3.9 million between 1 April and 28 June 2004 of which £1.1 million has so far been approved. The current status of all these applications is given in the following table.
	
		
			 Status Number 
		
		
			 Application withdrawn by applicant or rejected by  the Forestry Commission 58 
			 Awaiting information from the applicant in order to  continue processing 148 
			 Applications currently being processed by the  Forestry Commission 246 
			 Grant offer made 152 
			 Offer accepted by applicant 96 
			 Total 700

Woodland Grant Scheme

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what grants will be available from her Department or the Forestry Commission between now and 31 March 2006 to assist the creation of new woodlands.

Ben Bradshaw: The Forestry Commission will continue to pay the woodland creation grants approved in existing Woodland Grant Scheme (WGS) contracts. These contracts extend beyond 31 March 2006 and include capital grants for establishment, additional grants for afforestation of improved agricultural land and for creating new woodland with public access. A range of premiums will also be paid to support the National Forest, Community Forests, South West Forest and the North West's 'Forest Futures' initiative.
	Subject to meeting the technical and administrative requirements of the WGS, grants will also be paid on those applications received before the WGS closed to new applications for new planting, but which have yet to be approved.
	Payments will also be made under the associated Farm Woodland Premium Scheme operated by Defra. This makes annual payments in accordance with the terms of the scheme for up to 15 years. This scheme will apply to some of the WGS applications which have yet to be approved.
	It is expected that from mid 2005 new applications for grant aid will be accepted by the Forestry Commission for woodland creation under the English Woodland Grant Scheme. This will be in time for planting to take place in the 2005–06 planting season, with grant payments being made from April 2006.

Woodland Grant Scheme

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many woodland grants were made by her Department or by the Forestry Commission in respect of woodlands in (a) the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and (b) Buckinghamshire in each of the last four financial years; what the sum of such grants was in each such year; and if she will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: The Forestry Commission made the following payments in the Chilterns AONB and Buckinghamshire under the Woodland Grant Scheme in the last four years.
	a) Chilterns AONB
	
		
			 Financial Year Number of Claims Paid Claim Value £000 
		
		
			 2000–2001 170 200.2 
			 2001–2002 167 273.7 
			 2002–2003 174 273.5 
			 2003–2004 120 187.3 
		
	
	b) Buckinghamshire
	
		
			 Financial Year Number of Claims Paid Claim Value £000 
		
		
			 2000–2001 176 238.8 
			 2001–2002 186 327.6 
			 2002–2003 179 270.0 
			 2003–2004 134 198.6 
		
	
	In addition to the Woodland Grant Scheme, the Farm Woodland Premium Scheme administered by Defra made annual payments to farmers in compensation for income forgone as a consequence of converting agricultural land to woodland.

Woodland Grant Scheme

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many applications for woodland grants her Department and the Forestry Commission has received during the current financial year in respect of woodlands in (a) the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and (b) Buckinghamshire; what the total sum applied for was; how many such applications, and to what aggregate value, have been approved; and if she will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: Between 1 April and 28 June the Forestry Commission received nine applications for a total of £19,000 on land within the Chilterns AONB and 11 applications for a total of £22,000 on land within Buckinghamshire. The current status of these applications is given in the table below together with the value of those approved.
	a) Chilterns AONB
	
		
			 Status Number 
		
		
			 Application withdrawn by applicant or  rejected by the Forestry Commission 1 
			 Awaiting information from the applicant in  order to continue processing 1 
			 Application currently being processed by  the Forestry Commission 4 
			 Grant offer made 1 
			 Offer accepted by applicant 2 (Value of £1,600) 
		
	
	b) Buckinghamshire
	
		
			 Status Number 
		
		
			 Application withdrawn by applicant or  rejected by the Forestry Commission 1 
			 Awaiting information from the applicant in  order to continue processing 4 
			 Application currently being processed by  the Forestry Commission 2 
			 Grant offer made 2 
			 Offer accepted by applicant 2 (Value of £1,900) 
		
	
	In addition to the Woodland Grant Scheme, the Farm Woodland Premium Scheme administered by Defra and which makes annual payments to farmers in compensation for income forgone as a consequence of converting agricultural land to woodland is included with the one grant offer made in the Chilterns AONB area.

HOME DEPARTMENT

Age of Criminal Responsibility

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what research he has commissioned on the effects of changing the age of criminal responsibility; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Goggins: We have no plans to change the current age, 10 in England and Wales, and have not commissioned research on the subject.

Crime

Anthony D Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many (a) successful and (b) unsuccessful criminal prosecutions were brought for crimes perpetrated in each Norfolk constituency in each year since 1997; and how many criminal charges were pressed for crimes perpetrated in Great Yarmouth in each year since 1997.

Paul Goggins: Statistics of defendants charged with offences are not collected centrally, nor is it possible to break down the court proceedings data collected centrally to constituency level.
	The following table, however, gives the number of defendants (a) convicted and (b) not convicted in the Norfolk police force area as a whole:
	
		Defendants convicted and those not convicted of offences of all types at all courts in the Norfolk police force area, 1997 to 2002
		
			  Defendants convicted Defendants not convicted(3) 
		
		
			 1997 19,137 1,764 
			 1998 17,537 1,564 
			 1999 16,330 1,597 
			 2000 15,083 3,351 
			 2001 16,661 5,448 
			 2002 16,608 5,234 
		
	
	(3) Includes defendants whose proceedings were discontinued, those discharged under Sec 6 MCA 1980, and those, whose charges were withdrawn, dismissed or acquitted.
	Statistics for 2003 will be published in the autumn.

Crime

Mark Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish (a) the growth forecasts and (b) the forecasts of the number and proportion of young men in the population used as assumptions in the Trends in Crime model, Home Office Online Report 38/04.

Paul Goggins: The growth forecasts used as assumptions in the trends in crime model are those published by Her Majesty's Treasury in the Budget report 2004.
	Projections for the proportion of young men in the population are published on the Government Actuary's Department (GAD) website.

Departmental Properties/Staff

Mark Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer of 13 July 2004, Official Report, column 1053W, on departmental properties/staff, if he will place a list of the properties in the Library.

Fiona Mactaggart: The addresses of Home Office properties are not disclosed for national and personal security reasons.

Financial Advice

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many contracts his Department had with (a) Barclays, (b) Royal Bank of Scotland, (c) UBS Warburg and (d) Bank of Scotland for advice on private finance initiative and public private partnership contracts in each financial year since 2001–02; and what fees were paid in each case.

Fiona Mactaggart: From the best information available, there have been no such contracts placed with these organisations in the time period specified.

Hate Crime

Shaun Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what hate crime legislation introduced in the Criminal Justice Act 2003 remains to be implemented; and when it will be implemented.

Paul Goggins: Sections 145 and 146 are the only provisions in the Criminal Justice Act 2003 specifically relating to hate crime; these provide for courts to treat motivation by racial or religious prejudice, or prejudice related to disability or sexual orientation, as an aggravating factor in sentencing for any criminal offence. These sections are not yet in force, but section 145 is simply a re-enactment of existing legislation, contained in section 153 of the Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000, that is already in force. The commencement date for these sections of the 2003 Act is currently under consideration and will be announced in due course.

HMS Daedalus

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his Department has made a formal expression of interest in HMS Daedalus to the Ministry of Defence on behalf of (a) the Prison Service, (b) another agency of his Department and (c) Hampshire Constabulary.

Paul Goggins: holding answer 13 September 2004
	I can confirm that my Department has not made a formal expression of interest in HMS Daedalus on behalf of the Prison Service or any other part of the Home Office. The acquisition of properties for use by the police is a matter for the appropriate police authority and Chief Officer of Police.

Lost Passports

John Barrett: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many passports sent to his Department for immigration purposes have been lost in each of the last five years; and how many were subsequently found.

Des Browne: Statistics on the number of letters issued for passports reported lost or mislaid in the Immigration Nationality Directorate would be available only at disproportionate cost.
	However, in General Group, which processes all applications for variation of leave to remain from in-country applicants and considers applications for Home Office travel documents from non-British nationals, there were 53 issued from April 2001 to March 2002; 335 issued from April 2002 to March 2003; and 469 issued from April 2003 to March 2004. This should be balanced against the number of decisions made in the same period which were 380,000; 403,000; and 534,000 respectively.

Prisons

Elfyn Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Prison Custody Officer certificates have been issued by his Department for staff at HMP Bronzefield.

Paul Goggins: Her Majesty's Prison Bronzefield opened on 17 June 2004 and 135 Prison Custody Officers have been certificated.

Prisons

Elfyn Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Prison Custody Officer certificates have been withdrawn by his Department for each privately run prison in each month since 1 January 2003.

Paul Goggins: From January 2003 to March 2004, three Prison Custody Officer Certificates were withdrawn from Her Majesty's Prison Dovegate, one certificate at Her Majesty's Prison/Young Offenders Institution Altcourse and one certificate at Her Majesty's Prison/Young Offenders Institution Doncaster.
	Since April 2004, one Prison Custody Officer certificate has been withdrawn at Her Majesty's Prison Dovegate and one certificate was withdrawn at Her Majesty's Prison Wolds.

Prisons

Elfyn Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Prison Custody Officer certificates have been issued by his Department for each privately run prison in each month since 1 January 2003.

Paul Goggins: The information requested is as follows.
	
		
			   Certificates issued since April 2004(4) 
			  Certificates issued from January 2003 to March 2004 April May June July 
		
		
			 HMP/YOI Altcourse 31 9 0 8 0 
			 HMYOI Ashfield 123 12 1 1 9 
			 HMP/YOI Doncaster 33 0 0 14 0 
			 HMP Dovegate 132 2 3 3 9 
			 HMP Forest Bank 69 1 0 20 0 
			 HMP Lowdham Grange 66 11 0 11 0 
			 HMP/YOI Parc 47 11 3 0 16 
			 HMP Rye Hill 94 9 0 4 1 
			 HMP Wolds 3 4 1 1 0 
			 Total 598 59 8 62 35 
			 Overall total since January 2003 762 
		
	
	(4) The Office for Contracted Prisons took over responsibility for Prison Custody Officer certification on 1 April 2004.
	Her Majesty's Prison Bronzefield opened on 17 June 2004 and 135 Prison Custody Officers have been certificated.

Retirement Age

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the (a) set retirement age applying to all or most personnel and (b) maximum age beyond which applications for employment will not be considered is in (i) his Department and (ii) its agencies.

Fiona Mactaggart: The Civil Service Management Code gives departments and agencies the authority to determine policy on normal retirement age for their own staff subject to the conditions set out in Chapter 11.3.
	In answer to part 'A' of your question all non-industrial Home Office staff working in grades between Administrative Assistant and Grade 6, including equivalent grades will have the option to retire at any point between the ages of 60 and 65. The normal retirement age for the Senior Civil Service is 60. However, Heads of Departments and Agency Chief Executives have the flexibility to retain members of the Senior Civil Service beyond 60 if they judge it to be in the public interest and are satisfied about the fitness and efficiency of the individual to carry out his or her duties.
	In answer to part 'B' of your question, Home Office policy continues to be that there should be no age discrimination on selecting candidates who have the relevant skills and qualifications and are considered to be capable of delivering value for money (i.e. a return on recruitment costs and training requirements before the normal retirement age). Up to and including Grade 6. European Law also prevents us from imposing age limits as part of the selection procedure.

Sentencing Guidelines

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the Sentencing Guidelines Council will review the magistrates court guidelines.

Paul Goggins: The Sentencing Guidelines Council will in due course produce guidelines on all criminal offences. These will supersede the magistrates courts guidelines.

Young Offenders

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many (a) male and (b) female prisoners under the age of 18 years were (i) serving a custodial sentence and (ii) on remand in each of the last three years in England.

Paul Goggins: The requested information is provided in the table.
	
		Population of juveniles in STCs, LASCHs and prison establishments, by custody type and sex England, 30 June
		
			  Immediate custodial sentence Remand 
		
		
			 Male   
			 2002 2,242 549 
			 2003 2,016 518 
			 2004 1,959 544 
			
			 Female   
			 2002 173 44 
			 2003 156 41 
			 2004 150 32 
		
	
	Source:
	Information on population in STCs and LASCHs is from the Youth Justice Board.
	Information on population in prison establishments is from the Prison Service information system.

Young Offenders

Mark Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many young offenders aged 18 to 21 are in prison (a) under sentence, (b) on remand and (c) in total; and how many there were on average in each category in each of the last five years.

Paul Goggins: The table shows information from the Prison Service information system on the number of young offenders aged 18–20 who were in prison establishments in England and Wales (a) under immediate custodial sentence (b) on remand and (c) in total in each of the last five years.
	
		Population of young offenders aged 18–20(5) in prison establishments, by custody type England and Wales, 30 June
		
			  Immediate custodial sentence Remand Total 
		
		
			 2000 6,670 2,103 8,780 
			 2001 6,728 1,867 8,597 
			 2002 6,766 2,189 9,018 
			 2003 6,779 1,920 8,789 
			 2004 6,543 1,890 8,513 
		
	
	(5) The figures include young offenders who have turned 21 but who have not been reclassified as adults.

SOLICITOR-GENERAL

Criminal Cases Review (Angela Cannings Judgment)

Vera Baird: To ask the Solicitor-General if she will take steps to ensure that those whose convictions are reviewed under the process set up after the Angela Cannings decision with no further action resulting are notified that a review has taken place.

Harriet Harman: The review of cases identified following the Angela Cannings judgment follows a three-stage review process. First, the relevant CPS areas identify the key features in cases and then they are passed to a Central Review Team comprising prosecutors who are highly experienced in complex criminal casework. A smaller number of cases are then passed to the Interdepartmental Group for final consideration.
	The review process is not determinative of whether any conviction is unsafe or not. Offenders' legal representatives will be written to where it is felt there may be features which warrant further consideration by either the Court of Appeal or Criminal Cases Review Commission. The Crown Prosecution Service will in each case where an offender is written to make an independent decision on whether to contest the appeal.
	As the review process initiated by the Attorney-General is not determinative of the safety of any conviction it is not the intention of the Interdepartmental Group to notify each offender whose case does not contain features identified by the Court of Appeal in Angela Cannings. It is however open to any convicted person if it is felt he or she was wrongly convicted to appeal out of time to the Court of Appeal or to bring the case to the attention of the Criminal Cases Review Commission.

CABINET OFFICE

Departmental Expenditure

Desmond Swayne: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what the cost of running her Office's canteen facilities was in (a) 1996–97 and (b) the latest year for which figures are available.

Ruth Kelly: holding answer 20 July 2004
	Since April 2002 canteen facilities at the Cabinet Office's core London buildings have operated on a nil subsidy basis.
	In 2003–04, the Government Car and Despatch Agency, an Executive Agency of the Cabinet Office, incurred some £35,000 for the running of a canteen facility at its London Headquarters site. For the remainder of the Department's estate, either no such expenditure was incurred or figures can be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
	Owing to changes in the Cabinet Office's accounting system, figures for 1996–97 cannot be readily retrieved without incurring disproportionate cost.

Directgov

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office 
	(1)  which elements of the production and operation of the Directgov website are being outsourced to India;
	(2)  for what reason elements of the production and operation of the Directgov website are being outsourced to India;
	(3)  what the security implications are of elements of the production and operation of the Directgov website being outsourced to India;
	(4)  what assessment he has made of the economic effect on the United Kingdom of elements of the production and operation of the Directgov website being outsourced to India;
	(5)  if he will make a statement on the outsourcing of the production and operation of E Gov ventures to foreign countries.

Ruth Kelly: Outsourcing is a long established element of business. The UK gains economically from free and open global markets, and the Government believe companies should source from whichever country best fulfils their need.
	Directgov website, powered by a bespoke content management system and application known as DotP, is government information organised and delivered by multiple departments. Directgov provides consistent information on UK government services for citizens and businesses, at home and overseas.
	DotP is part of the secure central infrastructure that this Government are putting in place to ensure best value electronic government services. There has always been an outsourced element of DotP involving the private sector—these companies have obligations to make certain such work is carried out adopting government policy on security and competition, whether the work is carried out in the UK or overseas. The central infrastructure will continue to be developed in a way that ensures its viability and in line with government policy on security and competition. The intellectual property belongs to Her Majesty's Government. Any outsourcing under the contract has not resulted in a loss of UK jobs.
	The approach to production and operation (i.e. the maintenance) of Directgov content is a matter for participating departments. As far as we are aware, at this time none of the elements of content production or maintenance are being outsourced to India.

Non-departmental Public Bodies

Andrew Stunell: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if she will list the date of the most recent annual general meeting of each non-departmental public body held in accordance with Cabinet Office guidelines.

Ruth Kelly: Cabinet Office guidelines state that non-departmental public bodies should hold Annual Open Meetings where practical and appropriate. The Cabinet Office does not hold lists of the dates of such meetings.
	The annual publication 'Public Bodies' indicates which NDPBs hold public meetings. Copies of 'Public Bodies' are available in the Library.

CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS

Community Legal Service

Elfyn Llwyd: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs how many Community Legal Service franchises have been granted in Wales to firms undertaking (a) criminal work and (b) family work; and if he will make a statement.

David Lammy: There are currently 212 solicitors' offices in Wales which hold either a full or temporary Specialist Quality Mark for Crime and a General Criminal Contract with the Legal Services Commission to provide legal advice and representation to people accused of or charged with a crime.
	There are currently 286 solicitors' offices in Wales which hold contracts in the family category of law.

Welsh Language

Elfyn Llwyd: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs whether the Department has adopted a Welsh language policy.

David Lammy: My Department is committed to meeting the requirements of the Welsh Language Act. The Court Service, the Magistrates Court Committees in Wales and the Office of the Information Commissioner have schemes in place approved by the Welsh Language Board. The Legal Services Commission is in the process of finalising their draft scheme.
	Documents produced by my Department are already published in Welsh, as well English whenever there is a clear need to do so.
	After extensive discussion between the former LCD (and then the DCA) and the Welsh Language Board a draft Welsh Language Scheme for the remainder of the DCA was sent to the Board in September 2003 for final approval. The Board replied to my officials last December raising a number of new and unexpected issues.
	A resolution to these issues was reached with the Board in August 2004, and my staff are currently making a few minor amendments to our draft scheme. I hope that we can now move forward to approval of the final scheme very soon.

CULTURE MEDIA AND SPORT

2012 Olympics

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much funding has been allocated for the 2012 Olympic bid.

Tessa Jowell: As stated in the Command Paper Cm 5867 laid before the House in June 2003, the Mayor and I agreed that DCMS and the London Development Agency should contribute to the costs of the bid organisation and associated planning in equal shares to a combined limit of £30 million.

Academic Consultation

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many times her Department has consulted members of the academic community with regard to (a) physical activity, (b) gambling and (c) alcohol since January; and if she will make a statement.

Richard Caborn: The Department has consulted members of the academic community formally and informally on about 100 occasions so far this year in respect of gambling. There have been no consultations on either physical activity or alcohol since January.

Betting

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans she has to undertake a review of fixed odd betting terminals; and if she will make a statement.

Richard Caborn: I expect to see in November 2004 the report of the independent research on the usage of fixed odds betting machines, which was commissioned by the Association of British Bookmakers at my request. We shall be including provision in our proposed Gambling Bill for the statutory regulation of these and other machines which do not fall within the definition of gaming machines in the current law, but which nevertheless have all the essential characteristics of gaming machines.

Departmental Paper Sources

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what procedures are in place to ensure that paper and card products used by her Department originate from a sustainable source; and if she will make a statement.

Richard Caborn: The Department takes seriously the commitment to sustainable procurement in respect of the supply of all goods and services. Contracts for the supply of paper and card products specify that content must be at least eighty percent recycled where the product allows. In respect of A4 copier paper only one hundred percent recycled paper is purchased. The onus is upon the supplier to show compliance.

Departmental Recycling

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what the latest available 12 month figures are for the proportion of the Department's redundant documentation, waste paper and card that is recycled; and if she will make a statement on the Department's recycling policy.

Richard Caborn: 100 per cent. of Confidential Waste is shredded and recycled. Other recyclable office paper is separated from general waste by providing staff with two waste bins and is all recycled. 80 per cent. of all card is also recycled, only high gloss card being excluded. It is the policy of the Department to recycle or compost all usable waste. In procurement the Department seeks to limit the amount of packaging in which goods are delivered, thereby reducing the amount waste to be disposed of.

Digital Terrestrial Broadcasting

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when she expects digital terrestrial broadcasting to be available in Pendle; and if she will make a statement.

Estelle Morris: Ofcom do not hold data on Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) coverage in individual constituencies. However, according to Ofcom, DTT services are available to those constituents that receive their television signals from the Winter Hill or Pendle Forest transmitters. This includes viewers in Nelson, Barrowford, Brierfield and most of Colne.
	At present around 73 per cent. of UK households can access DTT services, but the Government are committed to ensuring that at Switchover everyone who can currently get the main public service broadcasting channels in analogue form (BBC 1 and 2, ITV, Channel 4/S4C and Channel 5) can receive them on digital systems.
	Much progress has been made in the discussions between the Government, Ofcom and the Public Service Broadcasters and while the broadcasters have not reached a full consensus on the optimum timetable, some—including the BBC—have suggested that 2012 may be the most appropriate date for the completion of Switchover.

Historic Buildings

Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many applications to build on sites of Scheduled Ancient Monuments have been approved in each of the last five years for which figures are available.

Richard Caborn: Scheduled monument consents that are granted by the Department are not recorded by the types of works that are to be undertaken on them. Therefore this information is unavailable.
	English Heritage inspectors take into careful consideration any works to scheduled monuments that are applied for, assessing the archaeology of the site and its national importance before advising the Department if consent should be granted.

Ofcom

Tim Boswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on progress in winding-up the heritage regulators whose work has been assumed by Ofcom.

Estelle Morris: The regulatory functions of the Independent Television Commission, Radio Authority, Oftel, and the Broadcasting Standards Commission were transferred to Ofcom on 29 December 2003; under transitional arrangements the bodies remained formally in existence, principally to provide for completion of the Annual Accounts. These have since been published and laid before the House, apart from those for Oftel, which will be published shortly. An Order formally abolishing these bodies will be brought forward in due course. In addition, the functions of the Secretary of State formerly performed by the Radiocommunications Agency have been transferred to OFCOM, but no winding up will be required in that case as the RA was part of the DTI.

Royal Palaces

Alan Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what living accommodation at St. James's Palace was allotted to members of the Royal Family prior to the move by HRH Prince Charles to Clarence House; to which members; and what the current disposition of that accommodation is.

Richard Caborn: Prior to the Prince of Wales moving into Clarence House, St. James's Palace provided the official London residences for the Prince of Wales, the Princess Royal and Princess Alexandra. The move has had no impact on the apartments of the Princess Royal and Princess Alexandra.
	The former official residence of the Prince of Wales is being converted into office accommodation which will be used by staff from the Prince of Wales's household. Their previous offices in St. James's Palace are to be taken over by the Royal Collection Department.

Royal Palaces

Alan Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what residential accommodation at Buckingham Palace was allocated to members of the Royal Family, and to which members, (a) in 1999 and (b) on the latest date for which figures are available.

Richard Caborn: Buckingham Palace is the official London residence for The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh. The Duke of York and Earl and Countess of Wessex also have residential accommodation in the Palace for use when they are in London. The position is unchanged between 1999 and now.

Tourism

Brian Cotter: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what the level of Government grant in aid was to each regional tourist board in England in each year since 1997 (a) per head of population and (b) in real terms; and what the proportion was of (i) overseas and (ii) domestic tourists in England in each regional tourist board area in the same period.

Richard Caborn: The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) provided grant in aid to the English Tourism Council (ETC, formerly the English Tourist Board) between 1997–98 and 2002–03. Grant in aid was paid by the ETC to the Regional Tourist Boards (RTBs) as shown in the following table:
	
		Grant in aid at 2002–03 prices
		
			 £000 
			 Tourism Board 1997–98 1998–99 1999–2000 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 
		
		
			 Cumbria 275 266 239 399 646 449 
			 East of England 557 432 427 633 868 806 
			 Heart of England 528 545 494 692 931 793 
			 London(6) 513 432 382 433 1,964 1,900 
			 Northumbria 284 241 273 394 570 447 
			 North West 331 322 314 438 614 575 
			 South East 363 315 303 385 552 544 
			 Southern 519 526 471 606 759 766 
			 South West 496 536 512 568 842 663 
			 Yorkshire 572 564 504 597 755 655 
		
	
	(6) In 2001–02 and 2002–03, £1.9 million p.a. was passed from DCMS to the Greater London Authority (GLA). As well as £1.5 million for the promotion of London overseas as a destination and as a gateway to the rest of the UK, this included £400,000 for the development of tourism infrastructure, equivalent to the funding formerly passed to the London Tourist Board via the ETC. This funding is maintained under the current DCMS-GLA Agreement for 2003–06. £1.9 million passed to the GLA in 2003–04.
	In 2003–04, DCMS funding for tourism development in the regions passed to the Regional Development Agencies (RDAs). The 2003–04 grant in aid payments to the RDAs are shown in the following table:
	
		Grant in aid in 2003–04 
		
			 Regional Development Agency(7) £000 
		
		
			 East of England 543 
			 West Midlands 252 
			 East Midlands 252 
			 North East 333 
			 South East England 744 
			 South West England 403 
			 Yorkshire and the Number 360 
			 North West 713 
		
	
	(7) In 2001–02 and 2002–03, £1.9 million p.a. was passed from DCMS to the Greater London Authority (GLA). As well as £1.5 million for the promotion of London overseas as a destination and as a gateway to the rest of the UK, this included £400,000 for the development of tourism infrastructure, equivalent to the funding formerly passed to the London Tourist Board via the ETC. This funding is maintained under the current DCMS-GLA Agreement for 2003–06. £1.9 million passed to the GLA in 2003–04.
	Grant in aid per head of the resident population for each Regional Tourism Board area is shown in the following table:
	
		Grant in aid per head of resident population(8)at 2002–03 prices
		
			 £ 
			 Tourism Board 1997–98 1998–99 1999–2000 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 
		
		
			 North East 0.11 0.09 0.11 0.16 0.23 0.18 
			 North West and Cumbria(8) 0.09 0.09 0.08 0.12 0.19 0.15 
			 Yorkshire 0.12 0.11 0.10 0.12 0.15 0.13 
			 Heart of England 0.06 0.06 0.05 0.07 0.10 0.08 
			 East of England 0.11 0.08 0.08 0.12 0.16 0.15 
			 London 0.07 0.06 0.05 0.06 0.27 0.26 
			 Southern and South East(8) 0.11 0.11 0.10 0.12 0.16 0.16 
			 South West 0.10 0.11 0.10 0.12 0.17 0.13 
		
	
	(8) Population Trends provides population figures for the standard administrative Government Office Regions (GORs). These are not identical to the areas covered by the RTBs but have been used as the best available approximation. It was necessary to combine North West and Cumbria, and also Southern and South East, to match the GOR figures.
	Source:
	Population Trends
	The proportion of overnight tourism visits to each region 1 is shown in the following table:
	1 The International Passenger Survey and UK Tourism Survey provide estimates for the number of trips, including an overnight stay, made within the UK by overseas and domestic tourists respectively. It should be noted that, at regional level, these surveys have a relatively high margin of error.
	
		Percentage
		
			  Proportion of total domestic tourism visits Proportion of total overseas tourism visits 
			 Tourism Board 2000 2001 2002 2000 2001 2002 
		
		
			 East of England 9 10 11 7 6 7 
			 Heart of England 17 17 18 9 9 11 
			 London 13 13 12 51 50 48 
			 Northumbria 8 7 7 2 2 2 
			 North West and Cumbria 11 10 11 6 6 6 
			 Tourism South East 19 20 19 16 17 16 
			 South West 13 15 15 6 6 6 
			 Yorkshire 9 8 9 4 4 4 
		
	
	Note:
	Regional UK Tourism Survey data is only available on a consistent basis back to 2000 due to a major change in the survey methodology.
	Source:
	International Passenger Survey, UK Tourism Survey.

Tourism

Brian Cotter: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what the level of Government grant in aid was to the English Tourism Council in each year since 2000.

Richard Caborn: In April 2003, functions of the British Tourist Authority and the English Tourism Council (ETC) were merged to form VisitBritain. Grant in aid for the ETC for the period 2000–03 was as follows:
	
		Grant in aid to ETC 
		
			  £ million 
		
		
			 2000–01 11 
			 2001–02 9.6 
			 2002–03 11.6 
		
	
	In addition, £3.8 million was awarded to the ETC in 2001–02 and further £1 million in 2002–03 from the Reserve to help tourism recover from the impact of foot and mouth and the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001. In 2002–03, the ETC was also awarded £3.6 million over two years from the Invest to Save Budget to support the development of the EnglandNet project to establish an on-line tourism network for England.
	Grant in aid allocation to VisitBritain for the domestic marketing of England was £10 million in 2003–04 and £12.9 million is available for 2004–05.

TV Licensing

Jim Dowd: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what TV Licensing's policy is on the number of times a household which has declared that it does not hold a TV licence because it has no television is re-contacted to verify that declaration; how much such re-contacting cost in the latest year for which figures are available; how many households fell within this category in the most recent year for which figures are available, expressed (a) in numerical terms and (b) as a proportion of UK households; and if she will make representations to TV Licensing to make these procedures less burdensome on householders.

Estelle Morris: The BBC has statutory responsibility for the administration of the television licensing system and TV Licensing carries out the day to day administration under contract to the Corporation. I have therefore asked the BBC's Head of Revenue Management to consider the questions raised by my hon. Friend and to write to him direct, placing a copy of the letter in the Library of the House.
	As part of BBC Charter Review, the Government will be considering how the Corporation should be funded after the expiry of the current Charter, including whether the existing arrangements might be improved.

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

Business Services

Michael Fabricant: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister 
	(1)  whether he has commissioned reports on how customer relationship management technology could be adapted to support local authorities in their development of joined-up services in relation to business;
	(2)  if he will make a statement on his Department's progress in ensuring that single business accounts are in place by the start of April 2006.

Phil Hope: Through the Local e-Government programme, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has supported the development of customer relationship management (CRM) technology appropriate to local authorities' needs. That CRM technology is a fundamental building block for local e-government, helping to transform local authorities' service delivery, including transactions with business. Building on that within the Local e-Government programme, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has also supported a National Project on Working With Business (WWB), to provide a framework, called the Single Business Account, for local authorities to improve specifically their provision of information and transactional services for local businesses. The project completed its work earlier this year.
	The WWB Project's outputs include a "Single Business Account" toolkit, which draws on data collected via authorities' CRM technology, and a "Single Business Account" pilot. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is currently supporting the dissemination of these and the Project's other products to ensure that all local authorities in England are aware of them and make maximum use of them. In particular, the products should help to ensure that they meet the shared target to have e-enabled 100 per cent. of their priority services by end 2005 in ways that their customers will use.
	Further details about the project are available from enquiries@workingwithbusiness.org.uk

Council of Ministers

Sue Doughty: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister 
	(1)  if he will provide a written ministerial statement outlining the key points on the agenda for each of the Council of Ministers' meetings at which his Department is represented in advance of each meeting;
	(2)  if he will provide a written ministerial statement outlining for each meeting of the Council of Ministers at which his Department is represented as soon as is practicable following that meeting (a) the key items of discussion, (b) the positions of the Government on those items, (c) the key positions taken by other member states that Ministers consider should be noted by hon. Members and (d) any preliminary discussion on the timing and the agenda of the following meeting.

Phil Hope: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member by my right hon. Friend the Member for Blackburn on 13 September 2004, Official Report, column 1452W.

Essex Careers and Business Partnership Ltd

Bob Russell: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assistance can be given under the Local Government Pension scheme to employees of the Essex Careers and Business Partnership Ltd., owned jointly by Essex, Southend and Thurrock councils, now in liquidation; and if he will make a statement.

Phil Hope: Essex Careers and Business Partnership Ltd. established its own pension arrangements for employees; they were not members of the Local Government Pension Scheme. Consequently, the loss of any pension rights as a result of the company's liquidation needs to be resolved initially on that basis.

Essex Careers and Business Partnership Ltd

Bob Russell: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will inquire into the decision of Essex, Southend and Thurrock councils to place the Essex Careers and Business Partnership Ltd. into liquidation from 31 March; and if he will make a statement.

Nick Raynsford: Essex Careers and Business Partnership Ltd. (ECBP) was a private company delivering Careers Company services across Essex, Southend and Thurrock. Up until 31 March 2004 ECBP delivered these services under a contract with the Connexions Partnership (Connexions Essex Southend and Thurrock), and as a private company it is for the shareholders to decide if and when the company should be placed in liquidation.
	Since the company went into liquidation the full range of 'Careers Service' activities has been delivered by Connexions Essex, Southend and Thurrock, and all ECBP staff working on Connexions activities have transferred under TUPE conditions to the Connexions Partnership.

Housing

Bob Spink: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what time limit he put on his policy that everyone should have access to decent housing; and what progress has been made in delivering that policy.

Keith Hill: The Government's target is to
	"By 2010, bring all social housing into a decent condition with most of this improvement taking place in deprived areas, and for vulnerable households in the private sector, including families with children, increase the proportion who live in homes that are in decent condition."
	The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is making good progress in delivering our target. In 2004 the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister will have cut the number of non-decent homes by 1 million, while £18 billion will have been invested in existing council and housing association homes since 1997. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has also helped over 130,000 vulnerable households in the private sector to bring their homes into decent condition.

Housing

Bob Spink: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what he determines as constituting decent housing.

Keith Hill: A decent home is one that meets the statutory minimum standard for housing, is in a reasonable state of repair, has reasonably modern facilities and services and provides a reasonable degree of thermal comfort.
	Further details are available in the document "A Decent Home—the definition and guidance for implementation" published February 2004, a copy of which is available in the Library of the House of Commons.

Housing

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what impact the additional funding granted to his Department in the 2004 Spending Review will have on the provision of affordable housing (a) in the Tamworth parliamentary constituency and (b) in the West Midlands.

Keith Hill: The funding provided in the Spending Review will, along with efficiency improvements, produce 75,000 social rented homes and 40,000 homes for essential public sector workers and low cost homeownership over the three years to 2007–08. Decisions have not yet been taken on how Regional Housing Pot funding for 2006–07 and 2007–08 (including the additional funding for affordable housing) is split between regions. This needs to reflect the different pattern of needs across regions and the Government's national housing priorities, including development of the growth areas, and targets. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister aims to complete this work, which raises some complex issues, by the end of the year.
	The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister will announce decisions on allocation of funding within regions next summer in the light of recommendations from Regional Housing Boards, which are due in May next year.

Housing (Windows Regulations)

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what rules regulate the fitting of windows into houses, with particular reference to FENSA certificates; and if he will make a statement.

Phil Hope: The installation of both new or replacement windows or doors in dwellings in England and Wales must meet all the relevant requirements in the Building Regulations 2000, as amended. In particular, such windows and doors must allow adequate means of escape in case of fire, adequate ventilation for both the occupants of the dwelling and any combustion appliances in it, reasonable provision for the conservation of fuel and power used in the dwelling and, where necessary, safety glazing to protect against injuries from impact. Special considerations may apply in the case of some listed buildings or those in conservation areas.
	FENSA certificates are documents provided by window and door installers who are registered members of the Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme. The certificates states to the householder that the windows and doors installed meet fully the requirements of the Building Regulations. Where windows and doors are installed by a person who is not a FENSA registered installer, the installation must be notified to the local authority, which will then have the responsibility for checking that the work complies with the Building Regulations.

Local Government Pensions

Jim Cousins: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what considerations guided him in proposing the change from an 80 to an 85 age/years of service formula in the Local Government Pension Scheme; and when he proposes to implement this change.

Phil Hope: Proposals to phase out the 85 year rule in the Local Government Pension Scheme are part of the Government's general policy to implement an age 65 retirement date for the public sector. They will also ensure compliance with age discrimination legislation, which must be in place no later than October 2006, and assist in our intentions to ensure the affordability and sustainability of the Scheme. The changes are planned to take effect from 1 April 2005.

Regeneration Projects

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how much expenditure has been allocated to regeneration projects in the North East, broken down by parliamentary constituency, in each year since the establishment of his Department; and what the planned expenditure is in the next financial year.

Phil Hope: It is considered that the information requested can be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Regional Assemblies

Ann Winterton: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister for what reason a preamble is to be included on the proposed ballot paper for the referendum on a regional assembly in the North East of England.

Nick Raynsford: The purpose of the preamble is to ensure that electors are informed of the implications, particularly for local government, of voting on the establishment of a regional assembly.
	The form of the ballot paper, including the wording of the preamble, is prescribed by the Regional Assemblies (Preparations) Act 2003(a) , which was enacted by Parliament last year.

LEADER OF THE HOUSE

Recyling

Bob Spink: To ask the Leader of the House what the latest available 12 month figures are for the proportion of his Office's redundant documentation, waste paper and card that is recycled; and if he will make a statement on his Office's recycling policy.

Peter Hain: The Privy Council Office has responsibility for the day-to-day building management of the Office of the Leader of the House of Commons.
	100 per cent. of non-confidential paper and card waste is recycled by the Privy Council Office, in conjunction with Westminster City Council.
	The Office's policy is to:
	reduce the amount of waste produced;
	reduce the amount of waste by only disposing of waste that cannot be reused or recycled;
	dispose of waste that cannot be reused or recycled in a way which causes the minimum impact to the environment; and
	manage the Office's waste in line with the '3 Rs waste hierarchy' (reduce; reuse; and recover).

PRIME MINISTER

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster

Alan Beith: To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the ministerial responsibilities he has assigned to the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

Tony Blair: The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster will have a cross-Government role in the co-ordination of Government policy. He will also be responsible for the work of the Strategy Unit and the Policy Directorate. He is, a Member of Cabinet and will sit on a number of Cabinet Committees. He will also be responsible for Duchy business.

DEFENCE

Armed Forces Modernisation

John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment his Department has made of the ability of the United Kingdom to conduct military operations independently of the United States after the modernisation of the armed forces.

Geoff Hoon: The force structure changes detailed in the "Future Capabilities" paper that was published in July 2004 (Cm 6269) will provide a broad spectrum of capabilities to ensure that the UK is capable of conducting limited national operations, or of being the lead or framework nation for coalition operations at small and medium scale where the US is not participating. The full spectrum of capabilities is not required for large scale operations, as the most demanding operations could only conceivably be undertaken alongside the US, either as a NATO operation or a US-led coalition, where we have choices as to what to contribute.

Arms Exports

Richard Younger-Ross: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how the Government monitors where permitted armament exports end up.

Denis MacShane: I have been asked to reply.
	The Government undertakes monitoring of such equipment in the recipient country when we believe this would genuinely help to minimise the risk of diversion and where such monitoring is practical. In addition, UK Overseas Posts have standing instructions to report any misuse of UK-origin defence equipment. Such misuse would be taken fully into account when the Government assesses any subsequent licence applications We may also, if appropriate, revoke other related licences, and consider whether to prosecute if any criminal offences had been committed.

Parliamentary Questions

Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he will reply to questions reference 174180, 173337 and 173317 tabled by the hon. Member for Leyton and Wanstead.

Adam Ingram: I replied to my hon. Friend on 10 June 2004, Official Report, column 604W, 14 July 2004, Official Report, column 724W and 1 September 2004, Official Report, columns 725–72W respectively.

Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst

Andrew MacKay: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future of the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst.

Ivor Caplin: The Ministry of Defence remains committed to the delivery of officer training at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst. Recent improvements to the site include substantial refurbishment of Victory College, and the building of a new Officers' Mess annex.

Russia

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the destruction of biological weapons material in the Russian Federation.

Geoff Hoon: Under the G8 Global Partnership against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction, a number of countries have undertaken to consolidate and secure collections of pathogenic material in the Russian Federation and other countries of the Former Soviet Union. In the biological area the UK has given priority to the risks of proliferation of scientific expertise rather than materials.

Russia

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what support his Department is providing for the reform of the military in the Russian Federation.

Geoff Hoon: The Ministry of Defence has a bilateral Defence Relations Activity Programme designed among other objectives to facilitate appropriate military reform. Key elements are:
	Military to Military Co-operation
	The Naval programme has established affiliations between UK and Russian counterparts and progressed into exercises conducted by both ships and training establishments. Army co-operation has covered specific activities of UK expertise, including countering Improvised Explosive Devices and Peace Support Operations. It is intended to advance this programme through the development of unit affiliations leading to field exercises in the peace support arena.
	The Russian Resettlement Project
	Trains members of the Russian armed forces in skills that will assist them in finding civilian employment following discharge. Since 1995, we have trained 20,800 former members of the Russian armed forces, of which 70 per cent. have found gainful employment.
	The Arctic Military Environmental Co-operation (AMEC) Agreement
	The Arctic Military Environmental Co-operation (AMEC) Agreement between Norway, USA, Russia and UK aims to deal with the legacy of Soviet military equipment and ameliorate its impact on the Arctic environment. Since joining in 2003, the UK has become involved in a range of projects, including the dismantling and stabilisation of nuclear powered submarines and surface ships.
	Financial Reform
	The Russian MOD requested advice on financial control in the military, which was delivered via in-depth briefings at the MOD to Deputy Defence Minister Kudelina in early 2004.
	NATO-Russia Council (NRC)
	The UK also supports Russian military reform as a member of the NRC, which facilitates engagement between the 26 member states of NATO and Russia. It provides a forum for discussion of key issues, including defence reform.

Russia

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with his counterparts in EU member states about increasing the contribution of the European Union to non-proliferation efforts in the Russian Federation.

Geoff Hoon: None.

EDUCATION AND SKILLS

Academic Performance

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills whether there is evidence from trends in academic performance that (a) pupils and (b) students from (i) white and (ii) other ethnic communities are increasing their level of performance.

Stephen Twigg: The Youth Cohort Study has been run by the Department for a number of years and collects information from young people after they have finished compulsory education. The following table shows the percentage of pupils that achieve five or more GCSEs at grade A* to C: 
	
		Attainment of five or more GCSE grades A*-C in year 11 by ethnic group: 1991–2001
		
			  1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997(9) 1998 1999 2000 2001 
		
		
			 Weighted sample 24,922 — 18,020 — 15,899 — 14,662 — 13,698 — 16,707 
			 
			 Percentage
			 All 37 — 42 — 44 — 46 — 49 — 51 
			 White 37 — 43 — 45 — 47 — 50 — 52 
			 Black 23 — 21 — 23 — 29 — 39 — 36 
			 
			 Asian 33 — 36 — 38 — 45 — 48 — 52 
			 Indian 38 — 45 — 48 — 54 — 60 — 60 
			 Pakistani 26 — 24 — 23 — 29 — 29 — 40 
			 Bangladeshi 14 — 20 — 25 — 33 — 29 — 41 
			 Other Asian 46 — 50 — 61 — 61 — 72 — 64 
			 
			 Other ethnic group (10)— — 37 — 46 — 47 — 43 — 53 
			 Not stated 18 — 16 — 29 — 27 — 26 — 30 
		
	
	(9) From 1997, includes equivalent GNVQ qualifications achieved in year 11.
	(10) Not available.
	Source:
	Youth Cohort Study (England and Wales) cohorts 6–11, sweep 1.
	Information on achievement of students is not available from the same source, but the following table, from the Higher Education Statistics Agency shows the numbers in higher education from different ethnic groups and the proportion of these groups who obtained first or upper second class degrees:
	
		Proportion of first degree graduates in each ethnic group achieving a first or upper second class degree
		
			  1997/98 2002/03 
			 Ethnic group(11) Graduates First or 2:1 (percentage) Graduates First or 2:1 (percentage) 
		
		
			 White 180,130 53 201,355 58 
			 Black 5,630 29 7,085 34 
			 Indian 6,695 39 10,085 44 
			 Pakistani 2,935 35 4,695 36 
			 Bangladeshi 765 34 1,400 38 
			 Chinese 1,835 44 2,525 45 
			 Asian Other 2,095 40 2,735 46 
			 Mixed n/a n/a 825 53 
			 Other 2,820 47 3,505 52 
			 Unknown ethnicity 27,720 48 16,125 45 
			 Total 230,625 51 250,335 55 
		
	
	n/a = not available.
	(11) Covers UK domiciled students only. From the academic year 2001/02 onwards, HESA has coded ethnicity using a more detailed ethnic breakdown that allows identification of those of mixed ethnicity. In years prior to this, those of mixed ethnicity will have been recorded in one of the other ethnic groups.
	Source:
	Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA)

Archaeology

Alan Hurst: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills whether he plans to retain archaeology as a GCSE examination subject.

Charles Clarke: The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) is regulator of the public examinations system. It oversees the work of the examinations awarding bodies, to ensure that their administration, marking and awarding procedures run smoothly. Awarding bodies are independent organisations and, as such, Ministers have no powers to intervene in their actions.
	The QCA does expect awarding bodies to offer a broad portfolio of qualifications, but cannot insist on them offering specific subjects. QCA can, however, insist that the awarding bodies give sufficient notice to centres and give support to centres in finding suitable alternative qualifications. In this instance the QCA felt that appropriate notice had been given by AQA to drop its GCSE Archaeology specification and, considering the fact that most candidates were post-16 (there were only 92 pre-16 candidates for GCSE archaeology in 2003), the AS qualification seemed a suitable alternative.
	When Ministers consider the final report of the Working Group on 14–19 Reform we will ensure that any proposals for reform will allow a wide range of qualification areas and subjects to be available to ensure choice and breadth of knowledge for learners.

Departmental Press Officers

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what his projection is of the number of press officers employed in his Department for 2004–05.

Stephen Twigg: It is anticipated that 20 press officers will be employed in this Department in 2004–05.

European Languages Day

Graham Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps his Department is taking to mark European Languages Day.

Stephen Twigg: The Department, in conjunction with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and CILT, the National Centre for Languages, will be marking the day with a public event, to be held at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The programme for the day of celebrations will include the European Awards for Languages ceremony, which will recognise the innovation and achievement of 17 different language learning projects across the education spectrum, and the launch of the Languages Work project.

Medical Training

Jim Dowd: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many students (a) were admitted to and (b) graduated from medical training in the UK in each of the past 10 years.

Kim Howells: The available information covering medical school intake and graduate output at institutions in England is given in the table. Information for Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish medical schools is the responsibility of the devolved Administrations.
	
		Actual Medical School intake and output in England1993/94 to 2003/04
		
			 Academic year Intake Graduate Output 
		
		
			 1994/95 3,514 2,911 
			 1995/96 3,486 2,983 
			 1996/97 3,594 3,025 
			 1997/98 3,749 3,261 
			 1998/99 3,735 3,097 
			 1999/2000 3,972 3,373 
			 2000/01 4,300 3,286 
			 2001/02 4,713 3,280 
			 2002/03 5,277 3,522 
			 2003/04 (12)6,030 n/a 
		
	
	(12) This figure is provisional until December 2004 when a finalised figure will be cleared.
	Source:
	Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE).

Public Services Funding

Roger Gale: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will identify, for (a) his Department and (b) the agencies and task forces for which his Department is responsible, each funding stream for public services in (i) the Isle of Thanet and (ii) the Canterbury City local authority area.

Charles Clarke: holding answer 1 July 2004
	The Department provides funding for schools and their pupils aged 3–15, other education services, Children, Young People and Family Services, and the Youth Service, in the Isle of Thanet and Canterbury City, through Kent county council and local partnerships. In 2004–05, Kent county council and local partnerships in the county receive funding from the Department through the funding streams set out as follows. Schools can already spend most of these funds in any way they choose and we will be working with schools and local authorities to take further steps to rationalise funding streams, including a Single Improvement Grant.
	Recurrent funding for education in Kent
	School standards grant
	Standards fund:
	Advanced Skills Teachers
	Aim Higher
	Beacon Schools
	Behaviour Improvement Programme
	Building schools' capacity for continuing professional development
	Early Excellence Centres
	Education Health Partnerships
	Enterprise Learning Pathfinders
	Ethnic minority achievement grant
	Excellence in Cities and Excellence Clusters
	Extended schools
	Federations
	Key Stage 3 National Strategy: central coordination
	LEA support for workforce remodelling
	Leadership incentive grant
	Leading Edge schools
	Music services
	Primary expansion
	Primary Strategy Central Coordination
	School development grant
	School travel advisers
	Specialist schools grant
	Study support quality development programme
	Summer schools for gifted and talented children
	Targeted improvement grant
	Targeted support for Key Stage 3
	Targeted support for primary strategy
	Training schools
	Vulnerable children
	Targeted transitional grant
	Teachers' performance pay funding
	Teachers' threshold pay grant
	Capital funding for education in Kent
	Academies capital1
	Capital support for the expansion of successful and popular secondary schools 1
	Devolved formula capital
	Excellence in Cities (City Learning Centres)
	Failing Schools and Fresh Start 1
	ICT in schools (including ICT infrastructure, hands-on support, Broadband Interconnectivity and eLearning Credits
	Interactive whiteboards
	Modernisation funding
	New pupil places (basic need)
	Non-maintained special schools 1
	Private Finance Initiative
	School travel plans
	Schools Access Initiative
	Seed Challenge
	Specialist schools capital
	Targeted capital funding
	Voluntary aided schools capital
	1 Capital funding stream available to Kent, though the county does not currently have an allocation in 2004–05.
	Recurrent and capital funding for children, young people and family services in Kent
	Adoption and special guardianship grant
	Child and adolescent mental health services
	Children's fund partnerships
	Children's social services supported capital expenditure (revenue)
	Choice protects grant
	Connexions partnerships
	Integrated children's services grant
	Safeguarding children's grant
	SENDA funding for the youth service (to help the youth service become compliant with the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act)
	Sure Start general grant:
	Non-ring-fenced funding:
	Delivery support fund
	Children's information service
	Workforce development (recruitment and training)
	Nursery schools development
	Extended schools
	New child care places in disadvantaged areas (revenue)
	New child care places in other areas (revenue)
	New child care places (capital for out of school child care)
	New child care places in disadvantaged areas (capital for playgroup conversion)
	New child care places in other areas (capital for playgroup conversion)
	Ring-fenced funding lines:
	SEN and inclusion (children with special needs and disabled children)
	Children's centres (revenue)
	Children's centres (capital)
	Support childminder scheme
	Neighbourhood nurseries (revenue)
	Neighbourhood nurseries (capital)
	Sustainability of child care places
	Sure Start local programme funding
	Teenage pregnancy
	Unaccompanied asylum-seeking children leaving care
	Transforming youth work development fund.
	Recurrent and capital funding for post-16 learning and skills provision (outside higher education) in Kent
	The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) is responsible for the funding of post-16 learning and skills provision (outside higher education) in the Isle of Thanet and City of Canterbury local authority areas. The Department provides funding to the LSC through the following funding lines:
	Learning Participation
	School Sixth Forms
	Capital
	Local Intervention and Development
	Administration.
	Recurrent and capital funding for higher education in Kent
	There are five institutions in Kent LEA: three higher education institutions (HEIs) and two further education colleges who run higher education courses. All of these receive funding from Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE). As there are no HEIs on the Isle of Thanet there is no funding by HEFCE. HEFCE provided funding for the following funding lines:
	Teaching (core funding, additional places, widening access and improving retention)
	Research (quality related research, capability fund)
	Moderation of Teaching and Research
	Rewarding and Developing Staff.

Truancy

David Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many children in (a) Suffolk county council and (b) Bury St. Edmunds constituency played truant from school in each of the last five years.

Ivan Lewis: The information requested is as follows:
	
		Suffolk county council
		
			 Academic year (September to May) Compulsory school age Number of pupils that missed at least a half day due to unauthorised absence Average sessions missed per pupil due to unauthorised absence Percentage of half days missed due to unauthorised absence Attendance (Percentage) 
		
		
			 Primary  
			 2003 40,340 3,783 8 0.3 95 
			 2002 40,686 3,826 8 0.3 95 
			 2001 41,317 3,414 8 0.2 95 
			 2000 40,358 2,994 8 0.2 95 
			 1999 39,058 3,002 8 0.2 95 
			 Secondary  
			 2003 49,322 10,382 15 1.1 92 
			 2002 48,668 8,001 16 0.9 92 
			 2001 47,925 6,352 14 0.6 92 
			 2000 47,180 4,529 14 0.5 93 
			 1999 45,750 4,545 18 0.6 93 
		
	
	
		Bury St. Edmunds
		
			 Academic year (September to May) Compulsory school age Number of pupils that missed at least a half day due to unauthorised Average sessions missed per pupil due to unauthorised absence Percentage of half days missed due to unauthorised absence Attendance (Percentage) 
		
		
			 Primary  
			 2003 5,193 463 7 0.2 95 
			 2002 5,253 439 6 0.2 96 
			 2001 5,201 243 7 0.1 95 
			 2000 5,191 220 9 0.1 95 
			 1999 4,632 223 7 0.1 96 
			 Secondary  
			 2003 9,714 1,444 13 0.7 94 
			 2002 9,722 957 14 0.4 94 
			 2001 9,588 727 13 0.3 93 
			 2000 9,392 644 11 0.3 94 
			 1999 9,163 692 10 0.2 94

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

Afghanistan

Sue Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on the level of voter registration necessary for the October 2004 and April 2005 elections in Afghanistan to ensure a credible democratic mandate for the resulting President and Government; what progress towards that level has to date been made; and if he will make a statement.

Bill Rammell: The UN/Afghan official Joint Elections Management Body reports that over 10.5 million voters have been registered in Afghanistan; voter registration is now closed. Although there is no current detailed census information for Afghanistan, this figure clearly represents the overwhelming majority of those eligible to vote. This is a significant achievement and a clear demonstration of the desire of the Afghan people to participate in the democratic process.

Afghanistan

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Afghan Transitional Administration on the timing of elections in Afghanistan.

Bill Rammell: We regularly discuss arrangements for the elections with members of the Afghan Transitional Administration (ATA) at official level. My hon. Friend the then Minister for Trade, Investment and Foreign Affairs (Mike O'Brien) last discussed this subject with President Karzai and other members of the ATA in Berlin on 1 April.

Afghanistan

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what advice his Department is providing to the Afghan Transitional Administration on voter registration.

Bill Rammell: Voter registration in Afghanistan has been conducted by the joint Afghan/UN Joint Elections Management Body. The UK was not asked to provide advice on voter registration and has not done so. We have contributed £11 million to the UN voter registration programme.

Afghanistan

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will break down funding that has been pledged by (a) the United Kingdom and (b) other United Nations member states for the electoral process in Afghanistan by main category; and how much of that funding has been delivered.

Bill Rammell: The UK has contributed approximately £11.8 million to assist with voter registration for the elections in Afghanistan, as well as approximately £3.125 million for the holding of the presidential elections themselves. These funds have been delivered.
	Detailed and up-to-date information on the elections, including figures for funding pledged and received by all the relevant donor countries is available on the website of the Afghan/UN Joint Elections Management Body: http://www.elections-afghanistan.org.af.

Anglican Church Property (Algiers)

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what stage the negotiations with the Rt. Rev. Dr. Mouneer Anis of Egypt concerning the Anglican church property in Algiers have reached; and if he will make a statement.

Bill Rammell: Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials met Bishop Mouneer in London on 28 June to discuss the Holy Trinity Church in Algiers. We agreed that we should work together over the coming months to agree a way forward. Work on this has already begun and will continue until a solution is found. We last contacted the Bishop on 3 September to inform him that we have gathered the relevant documentation, and to ask him to nominate a legal adviser. We await his reply.

Departmental Recycling

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the latest available 12 month figures are for the proportion of the Department's redundant documentation, waste paper and card that is recycled; and if he will make a statement on the Department's recycling policy.

Bill Rammell: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office's policy is to recycle all of its paper waste and thin card, generated in the UK. In 2003–04, 240.76 tonnes of this material were disposed of to recycling. This represents a high proportion of the total. An exact proportion cannot be given as small amounts of paper and card can be inadvertently disposed of in general waste which is not, at present, further sorted and measured.

EU Commission

Elfyn Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the National Assembly for Wales will be consulted by the Government before the EU Commission publishes proposals relevant to its powers; and if he will make a statement.

Denis MacShane: The Government are in continual contact with the devolved Administrations about European proposals in their areas of interest, including at Ministerial level, through the Joint Ministerial Committee on Europe (JMC(E)), The Government seeks to reflect the views of the devolved Administrations in the UK negotiating position, which balances the interests of all parts of the UK. In general, the Government are in frequent contact with the devolved Administrations and other relevant parties when responding to specific Commission proposals.

EU Commission

Elfyn Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans there are for the devolved Administrations of the United Kingdom to have representation (a) on relevant United Kingdom delegations in the EU Council of Ministers and (b) in preparatory meetings of COREPER; and if he will make a statement.

Denis MacShane: Ministers from the devolved Administrations attend meetings of the EU's Council of Ministers when there are items on the agenda within their devolved responsibilities.
	Officials from the devolved Administrations are accredited to the delegation of the United Kingdom Permanent Representation to the European Union and attend meetings of relevant Council working groups. They are in regular contact with the officials who represent the United Kingdom on these working groups.
	During the UK Presidency of the EU in the second half of 2005 an official from the Scottish Executive will chair a Transport Working Group and an official from the Welsh Assembly Government will chair the Culture Working Group. These officials will brief the United Kingdom's Permanent Representative for meetings of COREPER.
	Other officials from the devolved Administrations will sit in the United Kingdom seats on a range of other Council working groups during the UK Presidency of the EU.

Falun Gong

Anne Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the persecution of the Falun Gong in China; and what action the Government are taking to draw attention to this.

Bill Rammell: We have serious concerns about human rights abuses against Falun Gong adherents in China, We regularly raise these concerns with the Chinese Government. At the most recent round of the biannual UK/China Human Rights Dialogue, held in London on 13–14 May, we again noted our concerns about the mistreatment of Falun Gong practitioners in detention, and handed over a list of individual cases of concern which included Falun Gong prisoners. I also recently raised the issue of human rights with Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Yesui during my visit to China in July.

Gibraltar

Michael Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the comments made by the Secretary of State for Defence during the Gibraltar Tercentenary celebrations in August that the enlargement of the European Union would have implications for Gibraltar, if he will make a statement on what those implications are.

Jack Straw: holding answer 14 September 2004
	As the Government have often made clear, enlargement will bring a range of benefits, including economic ones, to both existing and new member states. Gibraltar with its record of economic dynamism is well placed to take advantage of these increased opportunities within an enlarged Union.

Intelligence Workers

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the rules are regarding British intelligence workers being asked to assist in the prosecution of someone abroad who may face the death penalty if convicted; and if he will make a statement.

Jack Straw: The British intelligence and security services operate strictly in accordance with statutory provisions and requirements laid down by Parliament. Those requirements take full account of obligations under international law. In particular these services have regard to section 6 of the Human Rights Act 1998 and the safeguards in respect of disclosure of intelligence information in section 2(2) of the Security Service Act 1989 and sections 2(2) and 4(2) of the Intelligence Services Act 1994.

Iran

Michael Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress was made in discussions at the end of July between Iran, France, the UK and Germany concerning Iran's nuclear programme; what future talks are planned; and if he will make a statement.

Jack Straw: holding answer 14 September 2004
	France, Germany and the UK have jointly drafted a resolution on Iran's nuclear programme for discussion at the meeting of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency, taking place in Vienna this week.
	Talks are continuing on a regular basis between senior officials.

Iraq

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the number of United Kingdom personnel working with Iraqi ministries (a) before 30 June and (b) since 30 June.

Bill Rammell: On 1 June, there were some 180 UK personnel working for the Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq, and who were involved in restructuring or assisting Iraqi Ministries or other Iraqi institutions. By the end of September there will be some 35 UK personnel working with Iraqi Ministries, 36 working with Iraqi Governorates or other institutions, and 87 assisting with police and prison training.

Iraq

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what support his Department is providing for (a) the establishment of systems of criminal and civil justice in Iraq and (b) the new Iraqi governments.

Bill Rammell: We are providing support in Basra to strengthen the overall capacity of the criminal justice institutions by funding a training seminar to streamline co-operation and communication between the Iraqi police, prison service and judiciary at the provincial and national level. We are also providing six prisons advisors in the south to work with the Iraqi Correctional Service to improve standards and procedures.
	We are providing capacity building assistance for the Iraq Special Tribunal tasked with bringing to justice members of the former regime suspected of committing war crimes. This includes support for training judges, prosecutors and court administrative staff.
	The Department for International Development is also providing assistance to the judiciary including training for judges in international human rights standards. All other reasonable requests for assistance from the Iraqi Interim Government are considered.

Iraq

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what support his Department is providing to the Iraqi Special Tribunal.

Bill Rammell: We have allocated £1.3 million for a capacity building assistance programme for the Iraqi Special Tribunal. This includes supporting training of a full Iraqi forensic team for the IST and training for judges and court administration staff.

Iraq

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with representatives of Islamic countries to encourage them to send troops to Iraq.

Bill Rammell: The UK has a regular dialogue with Islamic countries in the region and elsewhere on matters relating to Iraq, including possible military deployments. The UK welcomes any contribution to the Multi-National Force. Any decision on troop deployments to Iraq ultimately rests with the Iraqi Interim Government.

Israel

Jenny Tonge: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations to the Israeli Government that it should ensure that the route of the security wall does not become the border of the Israeli state.

Bill Rammell: As my right hon. Friends the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary have stated on numerous occasions, final status issues such as the border between Israel and a future Palestinian State can only be decided by the two parties during final status negotiations. We have made our view clear to the Israeli Government, most recently when the Foreign Secretary met with Israeli Vice Prime Minister Olmert on 8 September.

Libya

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to encourage (a) economic reform and (b) political liberation in Libya.

Bill Rammell: The Government welcomes Libya's recent actions, in particular Libya's courageous decision to abandon weapons of mass destruction. The Government are working closely with Libya on governance, reform and human rights.
	Since early 2004, through the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's Global Opportunities Fund, we have been developing and funding projects in Libya, including on administrative, economic and prison reform.

Ministerial Travel

Michael Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the cost was of chartering an aeroplane for his recent trip to Sudan.

Jack Straw: The gross cost of chartering an aircraft for the return trip UK-Sudan-Kenya was £168,000. Accompanying media contributed £60,200, making a net cost of £107,800.

Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty

Julie Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the goals of the Government are for the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference in 2005.

Denis MacShane: The Government are strongly committed to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which is the cornerstone of the nuclear non-proliferation regime. The UK's goals for the review conference are to make the case for stronger and more effective counter-proliferation measures and to emphasise the importance of compliance with the treaty. We will do this in the context of emphasising the UK's good record on nuclear disarmament, and we will produce a final report of the studies that we have conducted on the verification of nuclear disarmament. We look forward to working with the chair and other countries before and during the conference itself to help secure a successful outcome.

Oil-for-Food Programme

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on progress of the inquiry into allegations of corruption in the Oil-for-Food Programme.

Bill Rammell: The first report of the UN independent high-level inquiry into allegations of corruption and mismanagement of the Oil-for-Food (OFF) Programme, issued on 9 August, provides background information on the OFF Programme and the status of the inquiry, including its terms of reference and staffing details. A copy of the report is available on the OFF website: www.iic-offp.org/documents/IICSR.pdf. The report does not draw any substantive conclusions. We hope that the independent inquiry will issue a second report, on the role of UN staff and contractors, by the end of 2004. The UK continues to support the UN inquiry into the allegations of corruption of the OFF Programme. We are co-operating fully with the inquiry.

People's Mujahedin Organisation

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the findings of the Coalition authorities on the activities of the People's Mujahedin Organisation of Iran personnel in Camp Ashraf in Iraq.

Bill Rammell: The status of the residents of Camp Ashraf in Iraq was, until 28 June, a matter for the US authorities and has since then been the responsibility of the Iraqi Interim Government. We understand that each of the residents of Ashraf has been informed about his or her status.

Private Military Companies

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to bring forward legislation to introduce a regulatory regime for private military companies.

Bill Rammell: There is an important and legitimate role for the private sector in providing security in post-conflict situations, such as in Iraq and Afghanistan. National armed forces do not always have the capacity to provide security to the international community's reconstruction and humanitarian efforts in these difficult security situations.
	The growth in the size and importance of the UK private security industry operating overseas strengthens the case for regulation of this sector. Developing such regulation is a complex undertaking, as set out in the Government's Green Paper "Private Military Companies", published on 12 February 2002. There are a number of difficult questions of definition in deciding how to approach such regulation. The cost of regulation is also potentially high, for both Government and industry.
	My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has instituted a further detailed review of options for regulation over the next few months The Government will keep Parliament fully informed of its thinking in this area.

Terrorism

Sue Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his assessment is of the efforts of the Government of Saudi Arabia to track down and bring to justice suspected terrorists; and if he will make a statement.

Bill Rammell: The Government of Saudi Arabia have made clear their determination to fight terrorism. A number of suspected terrorists have been arrested and others killed in exchanges of fire with the Saudi Authorities. We are cooperating closely with the Saudi authorities in the fight against terrorism.

Terrorism

Sue Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the assessment of the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee in its report Foreign Policy aspects of the War Against Terrorism, published on 21 July, that Iraq has become a battleground for al-Qaeda.

Bill Rammell: We will publish our full response to the Foreign Affairs Committee's report in the usual way by means of a Command Paper in due course. We continue to believe that most attacks in Iraq are the work of elements of the former regime and other disaffected Iraqis, although international jihadists have also been involved in attacks in Iraq.

Western Sahara

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on progress towards a referendum in Western Sahara.

Bill Rammell: We seek a just, lasting and mutually acceptable solution to the Western Sahara dispute that provides the people of the Western Sahara with an opportunity to exercise their right to self-determination. We believe UN efforts to find a solution to the dispute should be maintained.
	The next Secretary-General's Report on the Western Sahara will be published in October, This will cover the negotiations undertaken by the UN Special Representative to Western Sahara, Alvaro de Soto, since he was tasked with taking UN efforts forward in June 2004.

Western Sahara

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the US Administration on Moroccan sovereignty in Western Sahara.

Bill Rammell: We have regular discussions with the US Administration on the question of Western Sahara. These have focused on ensuring that the UN process leads to a fair and lasting solution to this dispute that provides the people of the Western Sahara with an opportunity to exercise their right to self-determination.

Western Sahara

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has discussed the Western Sahara with the Government of Spain; and what his policy is on the Joint Franco-Spanish Strategy in the territory.

Bill Rammell: We have regular discussions with the Spanish Government on the question of Western Sahara. These have focused on ensuring that the UN process leads to a fair and lasting solution to this dispute that provides the people of the Western Sahara with an opportunity to exercise their right to self-determination,
	We welcome new initiatives intended to resolve the Western Sahara dispute. It is important that UN efforts to resolve this dispute are maintained and any proposed initiatives are carried out in conjunction with UN efforts to find a solution.

Zimbabwe

Michael Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what issues on Zimbabwe the Government are considering taking to the United Nations General Assembly; and what progress has been made.

Jack Straw: Since 2001, we have tabled resolutions on Zimbabwe at the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, but they have been defeated by no-action motions. We are currently discussing with our EU partners what action to take at the UN General Assembly this autumn.

WORK AND PENSIONS

Carer's Allowance

Colin Pickthall: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in the UK are paid carer's allowance; and how many applications have been rejected in the last 12 months for which figures are available.

Maria Eagle: The latest available information is that as at 31 May 2004 some 425,455 carers in Great Britain were being paid a carer's allowance 1 , and that in the six months ending 30 June 2004 2 some 32,700 claims for the allowance were disallowed.
	Information about claims for, and recipients of, carer's allowance in Northern Ireland is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
	Sources:
	1 DWP Information and Analysis Division 100 per cent. sample at 31 May 2005.
	2 DWP Carer's Allowance Unit Management Information Statistics. The figure includes some 27,000 claims that were disallowed because the person being cared for was not receiving an attendance allowance, or the care component of disability living allowance paid at the middle of higher rate, or the equivalent rates of constant attendance allowance paid under the Industrial Injuries Disability Benefit scheme or the War Disablement Pension scheme. Reliable data for the number of claims disallowed before 1 January 2004 are not available.

Employment Zones

George Osborne: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proportion of the population live in an Employment Zone.

Jane Kennedy: We estimate that approximately five million people live in Employment Zone areas, representing just under 9 per cent. of Great Britain's population.

Housing and Council Tax Benefits

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many housing and council tax benefit claimants there were in (a) each local authority and (b) total in 2002–03.

Chris Pond: The average number of housing benefit claimants during 2002–03 was 3,804,900; the average number of council tax benefit claimants was 4,590,900. The information for each local authority has been placed in the Library.

Pension Protection Fund

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what percentage of compensation he expects the Pension Protection Fund to provide to pensioners losing all or part of their occupational pensions when the scheme comes into existence.

Malcolm Wicks: When the Pension Protection Fund is introduced in April 2005, the level of compensation provided to members of eligible defined benefit schemes and defined benefit elements of eligible hybrid schemes will be as follows:
	100 per cent. level of compensation subject to PPF Rules to those above the scheme's Normal Pension Age (NPA) immediately before the assessment date (the first day of the assessment period), and to those below NPA who are either in receipt of survivors' benefit or already in receipt of their pension on the grounds of ill health immediately before the assessment date.
	90 per cent. level of compensation subject to PPF Rules to those below NPA immediately before the assessment date, subject to an overall compensation cap.
	This is subject to Royal Assent being granted to the Pensions Bill.
	Further details of the PPF compensation provisions can be found in Schedule 7 of the draft Bill.

Pensions

David Willetts: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 14 June 2004, Official Report, column 729W, on pensions, what a pensioner's income from the State Pension was in each year in (a) cash and (b) real terms, broken down by the components identified in footnote 3.

Malcolm Wicks: The information is in the tables.
	The maximum rate of basic State Pension plus the average amount of additional State Pension in payment for recently retired men aged 65 and women aged 60 in:
	
		(a) Cash terms
		
			 £ 
			  1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 
		
		
			 BSP Maximum Rate 61.15 62.45 64.70 66.75 67.50 72.50 
			 Average additional State Pension 14.80 15.70 13.35 14.65 14.15 15.25 
		
	
	
		(b) Real terms (2004–05 prices)
		
			 £ 
			  1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 
		
		
			 BSP Maximum Rate 74.75 74.50 74.20 75.35 74.00 78.10 
			 Average additional State Pension 18.10 18.70 15.30 16.55 15.50 16.40 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. Average additional State Pension figures are derived from a 5 per cent. sample of DWP administrative data taken at March in each year.
	2. State Pension is calculated as the maximum rate of basic State Pension plus the average amount of additional State Pension in payment for recently retired men aged 65 and women aged 60. Weekly rates are shown.
	3. The real value of Retirement Pension is calculated by uprating the cash value in April of each year to April 2004 prices. In each year the April increase in basic State Pension is related to the increase in the Retail Price Index in the year to the previous September. In most years the increase in the Retail Price Index in the year to April is not exactly the same as the increase in the year to the previous September. Measuring the real value of BSP in April inevitably appears to show some small reductions or increases that would not appear if the new level of basic State Pension were introduced in September. These small variations do not affect pensioner living standards as any differences in inflation are automatically reflected in the following year's uprating.

Pensions

Jim Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will estimate the sum required to produce an annuity of the same size as the minimum income guarantee/pension guarantee credit for pensioners with pension inflation protection in each year of the MIG pension guarantee credit scheme.

Malcolm Wicks: Table 1 estimates the amount that would be required to produce an inflation-protected annuity equal to the standard MIG/guarantee credit for a single person.
	Table 2 estimates the amount that would be required to close the gap between a full basic state pension and the standard MIG/guarantee credit.
	
		Table 1: The amount required to ensure an RPI escalating annuity income equal to the MIG/PC guarantee at the point of retirement
		
			  Guarantee (£) RPI escalating annuity rate (percentage) Amount required to produce an income equal to the guarantee (£) 
		
		
			 1999 82.25 6.94 62,000 
			 2000 86.05 6.83 65,000 
			 2001 92.15 6.54 73,000 
			 2002 98.15 6.03 85,000 
			 2003 102.10 5.45 97,000 
			 2004 105.45 5.23 105,000 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. The guarantee rate is for a single person, entitled to the highest age premium in the years before the age related premia were equalised.
	2. The RPI escalating annuity rate has been provided by the Annuity Bureau for a single male aged 65; it is the top rate in December of each year (except 2004 where the top rate at September has been used) for a £100,000 sum.
	3. The amount required has been rounded to the nearest £1,000.
	
		Table 2: The amount required to purchase an RPI escalating annuity sufficient to close the gap between a full basic state pension and the MIG/PC guarantee at the point of retirement
		
			  Guarantee (£) Full BSP (£) Amount guarantee exceeds BSP (£) RPI escalating annuity rate (percentage) Amount required to produce an income equal to the gap between the guarantee and a full BSP (£) 
		
		
			 1999 82.25 66.75 15.50 6.94 12,000 
			 2000 86.05 67.50 18.55 6.83 14,000 
			 2001 92.15 72.50 19.65 6.54 16,000 
			 2002 98.15 75.50 22.65 6.03 20,000 
			 2003 102.10 77.45 24.65 5.45 24,000 
			 2004 105.45 79.60 25.85 5.23 26,000 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. The guarantee rate is for a single person, entitled to the highest age premium in the years before the age related premia were equalised.
	2. The BSP is the maximum single person rate.
	3. The RPI escalating annuity rate has been provided by the Annuity Bureau for a single male aged 65; it is the top rate in December of each year (except 2004 where the top rate at September has been used) for a £100,000 pot.
	4. The amount required has been rounded to the nearest £1,000.

Pensions (Capita Forecasts)

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on the delay in the announcement of pension forecasts by Capita.

Malcolm Wicks: We are not aware of any delays in relation to the issue of pension forecasts by Capita.
	If a member of a pension scheme is concerned that they have not received all the information they are expecting, they should contact the scheme in the first instance.

Pensions (Capita Forecasts)

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many complaints the Department has received concerning the late announcement of pension forecasts by Capita.

Malcolm Wicks: The Department has not received any complaints concerning the late announcement of pension forecasts by Capita.

Retirement Age

Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what research has been commissioned by his Department on the effects on the health of men over 65 years in the 10 most deprived local authorities in the United Kingdom of raising the retirement age to 70 years.

Malcolm Wicks: There is no such thing as a state retirement age; many employers choose to set a retirement age for their employees typically at 60 or 65. The Government are currently consulting with key stakeholders on the future of retirement age in light of the 2006 age legislation, and will consider the effects of their final decision on individuals and employers.
	The state pension age, the age at which an individual may receive their state pension is currently 65 for men and 60 for women. As announced in the 2002 Pensions Green Paper "Simplicity Security and Choice: Working and saving for retirement", the Government have no plans to increase the state pension age beyond 65. Our aim is to provide the choice and opportunity for all individuals to work longer if they wish and to retire at a point that best suits their circumstances. A number of new measures to support this approach were introduced in the 2002 Pensions Green Paper.
	As we are not planning to increase state pension age beyond 65 we have not conducted nor commissioned the specific research raised in the question. However, DWP research report 182 "Working after State Pension Age: Quantitative Analysis" finds that those choosing to work beyond state pension age are much more likely than those not working to report excellent or very good health status. The findings from this report also indicate that those remaining in work beyond state pension age were as least as likely to maintain good health status as all other groups, and found some limited evidence that work could lead to improvements in health status. A copy of the report is available in the Library.

Stakeholder Pensions

David Kidney: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what recent assessment he has made of (a) the take-up of stakeholder pensions, (b) the number of employers who offer access to a stakeholder pension and (c) the proportion of employer-designated schemes that have no members; and if he will make a statement on the future development of stakeholder pensions.

Malcolm Wicks: Figures from the Association of British Insurers (ABI) show that at 30 June 2004 2,042,864 stakeholder pensions had been sold since their introduction in April 2001. Official figures for the 2002–03 tax year confirm that 98 per cent. of sales have been to people in work and that the majority of stakeholder pensions are being bought by those on modest incomes; over three-quarters (860,000) of stakeholder pension plans with contributions in them in that year were for workers earning under £30,000 a year and around two-thirds (660,000) were for those workers earning under £20,000 a year. Stakeholder pensions are now an established product and provide an important route for people to save for their retirement.
	In total just over 500,000 employers offer their employees access to a stakeholder pension scheme. Of those around 270,000 employers have designated a stakeholder pension scheme as required by law. The remainder do so voluntarily, for example as additional or optional pension provision where a company pension scheme is in place. Many more employees now have access to a good value pension arrangement through their place of work irrespective of their position in the company.
	The Employers Pension Provision 2003 survey indicates that around three quarters of employer designated schemes have no members. Research shows that an employer contribution is the most important factor in encouraging pension take-up by employees. Where there is an employer contribution, average take-up by the workforce is around 70 per cent.; compared with 13 per cent. where there is no employer contribution. We will continue to work with employers so they are aware of the important role they play in helping their employees provide for their retirement. Through our Informed Choice Programme we have a range of measures to encourage work place savings. Our initiatives will make it easier for employers to promote good schemes in the workplace, will extend the issue of combined forecasts of State, personal and occupational pension showing projected entitlement and establish the best ways of ensuring that their employees are provided with a decent standard of pension information through the workplace.
	From April 2005 the stakeholder pension will become part of the Sandler stakeholder suite of savings products. The new structure will enable providers to market stakeholder pensions more actively and it will also be possible for firms to provide advice to more people. It will continue to offer a good deal for the consumer. Stakeholder pensions are part of our wider plans to help people to save for a decent income in retirement. These include our Informed Choice Programme, The Employer Task Force and the Pension Commission, all of which will assist in increasing private pension access and provision.

Unemployment Benefit

Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the cost of unemployment benefits has been (a) at current prices and (b) as a percentage of gross domestic product in each year since 1979.

Chris Pond: I refer my hon. Friend to the written answer I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Vale of Clwyd (Chris Ruane) on 7 September 2004, Official Report, columns 1205–206W.

Work Injuries

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps he is taking to promote rehabilitation services for people injured at work; and if he will make a statement.

Jane Kennedy: The Government are taking many steps to promote rehabilitation services for people injured or sick, whether the cause is work related or not. These include the Department's work to produce and publish a Framework for Vocational Rehabilitation. This framework will demonstrate the Government's commitment to vocational rehabilitation, and in the short term will help to improve understanding of what vocational rehabilitation is and the support that currently exists.
	In the longer term, the framework will take additional steps to further promote rehabilitation services for people injured at work.
	The Health and Safety Commission in their new strategy recognised the need to strengthen their role in promoting healthier workplaces and in getting people back to work through a much greater emphasis on rehabilitation. The Health and Safety Executive has therefore developed a best practice approach to help employers and managers, in partnership with their employees and their representatives, to proactively manage long-term sickness absence and help those who are absent from work due to sickness. In addition, existing occupational health services also have a role in promoting a return to work after an accident has occurred. NHS Plus, a network of occupational health departments in the NHS, provides such services, which are particularly focused on small and medium sized enterprises.

TREASURY

Civil Service Recruitment

Elfyn Llwyd: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he had with the First Secretary of the National Assembly for Wales prior to his announcement in the Spending Review of job cuts affecting National Assembly employees; and when these discussions took place.

Paul Boateng: The Chancellor of the Exchequer and the First Minister of the Welsh Assembly Government have discussions from time to time on various matters.

Inland Revenue Customer Service Survey

David Lidington: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the cost to public funds was of the Inland Revenue's Customer Service Survey conducted by BMRB International in 2004.

Dawn Primarolo: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for North Norfolk (Norman Lamb) on 15 June 2004, Official Report, column 832W.

Special Measures

Angela Browning: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which Government Departments are subject to special measures.

Paul Boateng: holding answer 19 July 2004
	All Government Departments are required to provide the Treasury with monthly expenditure reports. This year, as a condition for agreeing significant access to the Reserve in 2002–03, the Home Office and the Department for Constitutional Affairs have been asked to discuss their monthly expenditure reports with the Treasury. During 2003–04 both Departments have done so and made considerable improvements in their financial management systems. This has been welcomed by the Treasury.
	As part of the normal relationship between these Departments and the Treasury there will be continued sharing of information and discussion of the issues. These measures are being refined and will become part of a common approach to sharing in-year financial information between Treasury and all Departments.

WALES

Turner and Newall

Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what discussions he has had with ministerial colleagues in the Department for Work and Pensions in respect of pensions for staff at Turner and Newall.

Peter Hain: None. However, I am aware that Department for Work and Pensions Ministers have been in discussion with company and trade union representatives about this matter.

Further Education

Martin Caton: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what discussions he has held with Secretaries in the Welsh Assembly Government about the impact of the 2004 spending review on further education provision in Wales.

Don Touhig: SR2004 marks a once in a generation step change in the Government's financing of Wales and a huge investment in our future. The Assembly's budget will rise to almost £13.5 billion a year by 2007–08, and has been welcomed by Assembly Ministers. These resources will significantly enhance the Welsh Assembly Government's ability to enable further education provision in Wales

Higher Education Act

Mark Prisk: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what recent discussions he has had with Secretaries in the National Assembly for Wales on the Higher Education Act 2004.

Peter Hain: Regular ones.
	The Higher Education Act, transferring power for student support and the tuition fee to the Assembly, which has established an independent review under the chair of Professor Teresa Rees.

Anti-social Behaviour

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the effect of anti-social behaviour measures in Wales.

Don Touhig: My right hon. Friend and I have regular discussions with Ministerial colleagues on matters affecting Wales.
	Following the Government's lead, the Police, Community Safety Partnerships and others in Wales, are increasingly using the wide range of powers put in place to tackle anti-social behaviour. New figures show that in the year to 31 March 2004 there was a 170 per cent. rise in the number of ASBOs issued in Wales.

Teachers

Desmond Swayne: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the Assembly Executive regarding the teaching profession in Wales.

Don Touhig: I regularly meet the Assembly Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning to discuss a range of education issues.

Defence-related Jobs

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the First Secretary on the number of defence-related jobs in Wales.

Don Touhig: The defence industry supports many thousands of high quality jobs in Wales and we are keen to encourage further investment in this area. To this end, my right hon. Friend and I have regular discussions with the Assembly and with Cabinet colleagues to explore the possibilities for securing more such quality jobs for Wales.

Designated Accommodation

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many rooms are set aside for (a) the use of smokers, (b) worship, broken down by religion, and (c) nursing mothers and pregnant women in each building and set of offices for which his Department is responsible.

Don Touhig: The Wales Office has a total of 53 staff in the offices in London and Cardiff. In view of the number of staff and size of the offices, it is not possible to set rooms aside for any of these purposes.
	The London staff can use DCA facilities. All DCA London HQ buildings have a room set aside for smokers. Male and female prayer rooms are available in Selborne House, Clive House and Steel House. Rest rooms are also available in these buildings for nursing mothers and pregnant women.
	In Cardiff, staff can access facilities of the National Assembly for Wales at Cathays Park and Cardiff Bay. Two rooms are set aside for smokers in Cathays Park and one in Cardiff Bay. One prayer room is available in Cathays Park for use by all faiths. Nursing mothers and pregnant mothers have the use of two first aid rooms, one in Cathays Park and one in Cardiff Bay.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

Computer Technologies

Sue Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry 
	(1)  what estimate she has made of the current and projected use of peer-to-peer file sharing home computer technologies with reference to the type of files exchanged and the volume of material exchanged;
	(2)  if she will provide an impact assessment of the growth of use of peer-to-peer file sharing home computer technologies for affected commercial sectors;
	(3)  if she will make a statement on her Department's strategy for the future public use of peer-to-peer file sharing home computer technologies.

Patricia Hewitt: We believe that peer-to-peer file sharing activity currently involves music files more than other types of content, but this could change as broadband take-up increases. The British Phonographic Industry has published research indicating that 8.0 million people in the UK claim to be downloading music—with 92 per cent. of them (7.4 million people) using illegal sites. In my reply of 19 April 2004, Official Report, column 69W, to a question asked by the hon. Member for Lichfield (Michael Fabricant) about illegal downloading of music, we acknowledged the serious impact on our creative industries from illegal downloading of music and welcomed the positive steps recently taken by the music industry to promote the availability of legitimate music tracks on the internet.
	We hope that the development of further imaginative ways of marketing digital content will be given greater impetus by recommendations in due course from the Creative Industries Forum on intellectual property, which was announced in a written statement by my right hon. Friend, the Minister for the Arts, on 19 July 2004, Official Report, column 2WS. In particular, we hope the forum will explore the opportunities presented by digital media to provide consumers with attractively priced, reliable and secure alternatives to illegal downloading.

"Fairness for All" White Paper

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry 
	(1)  how many respondents there were to the Fairness For All White Paper; and if she will make a statement on the content of the responses;
	(2)  what plans she has to take the proposals contained in the Fairness For All White Paper forward following the consultation period; and on what timetable;
	(3)  what plans she has to meet stakeholder organisations for further discussions on the Fairness For All White Paper.

Patricia Hewitt: The consultation following the release of Fairness for All, officially closed on 6 August 2004. Over 450 responses have been received from a wide variety of stakeholders, interested groups and individuals. The Government is currently assessing all the responses it has received in detail and will publicly respond in due course.
	The Government will continue to adopt an open and inclusive approach to involving stakeholder organisations in developing our proposals on the Commission for Equality and Human Rights (CEHR). As part of this approach we have already met with stakeholders through the independent advisory task force on 7 September. This meeting has advised on, and informed, the ongoing analysis of the 'Fairness for All' consultation.
	The Government is committed to improving equality and human rights for all in our society. This underpins our vision of a modern, fairer and more prosperous Britain. We are fully committed to the creation of the CEHR which we believe will help create a more equal and cohesive society.
	The establishment of the CEHR will require primary legislation, and we intend to bring a Bill before Parliament as soon as time allows. We anticipate setting up a steering group to continue for 12–18 months to manage the planning and implementation of the key milestones towards the launch day. The CEHR will not be fully operational before the end of 2006 at the earliest.

Bodies (Funding)

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the (a) current and (b) projected levels of funding are from her Department for (i) the Manufacturing Advisory Service and (b) Enterprise Insight.

Jacqui Smith: The information is as follows:
	(i) Manufacturing Advisory Service
	(a) In the current financial year (2004–05) the Department will provide funding of £4 million for the Manufacturing Advisory Service.
	(b) In the following three years, the Department's expenditure in support of the regional operations of the Manufacturing Advisory Service will be £5 million in 2005–06, £6 million in 2006–07, and £6 million in 2007–08, as announced in the 2004 Spending Review. In addition, the Department will also fund a contract to manage the Manufacturing Advisory Service national network over the same period. The size of this contract has not yet been determined.
	(ii) Enterprise Insight
	(a) In the current financial year (2004–05), the Department is providing funding for Enterprise Insight of £753,000.
	(b) This funding will rise to £5 million per annum in 2006–07 and 2007–08, as announced in the 2004 Spending Review.

Business Regulations

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many business regulations since 2002 have incorporated clauses to set a deadline for a regulation to cease to have effect unless renewed.

Nigel Griffiths: Two.

Business Regulations

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many regulations which affect small businesses have been abolished by her Department over the past year.

Nigel Griffiths: The information requested is not held centrally.

Companies Act 1985

Jonathan Djanogly: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much money has been paid into court pursuant to the provision of section 430(11) of the Companies Act 1985 in each of the past 10 years.

Jacqui Smith: holding answer 13 September 2004
	This information is not collected centrally by legislative provision and could be provided only at disproportionate cost due to the amount of information to be processed and the need to retrieve information from files not currently in use. This information is therefore being withheld under the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information on the grounds that it would require an unreasonable diversion of resources.

Departmental Recycling

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the latest available 12 month figures are for the proportion of the Department's redundant documentation, waste paper and card that is recycled; and if she will make a statement on the Department's recycling policy.

Patricia Hewitt: Between April 2003 to March 2004, over 98 per cent. of the Department's waste from its HQ operations was recovered for recycling or energy production.
	The Department has a recycling strategy in line with the Government's framework for sustainable development, with appropriate procedures and facilities in place.

Departmental Staff (Upper Age Limits)

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether (a) her Department and (b) agencies for which it is responsible (i) have a set retirement age which applies to all or most personnel and (ii) have a maximum age beyond which applications for employment will not be considered; and what the age is in each case.

Patricia Hewitt: The retirement age for all DTI staff in grades below the Senior Civil Service is 65. For staff in the Senior Civil Service the normal retirement age is 60.
	We require applicants for employment to have sufficient time to complete the required probation period (generally 12 months) for their grade or specialism before they reach age 65.

Economic and Social Research Council

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proposals there are to increase funding for the Economic and Social Research Council.

Patricia Hewitt: The Government's commitment to the continuing excellence of UK science was reinforced by the outcome of the 2004 Spending Review, in which it announced annual real growth in the public science base of 5.8 per cent., through the DTI and DfES, which will see it climb to over £5 billion by 2007. That is more than a billion pounds more than this year and nearly double the expenditure in 1997. Under existing plans, the Economic and Social Research Council is expected to receive an additional £15.8 million next year as a result of the previous Spending Review. Allocations to Research Councils and other bodies through the Science Budget, for 2006–07 onwards, will be announced early in 2005.

Manufacturing Advisory Service

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the Manufacturing Advisory Service.

Jacqui Smith: The Manufacturing Advisory Service has been a huge success as a source of practical help to small and medium-sized manufacturing companies. It plays a vital role in helping our manufacturers to improve their productivity and to compete effectively in an increasingly global economy. In the period from its establishment in April 2002 to June 2004 the Manufacturing Advisory Service has delivered £66.8 million in added value to manufacturing companies it has assisted, with average productivity improvements running at 30 per cent. Its success was recognised in the recent 2004 Spending Review, as a result of which the Department's funding for MAS will increase to £17 million over the period 2005–06 to 2007–08, match funded by the regional development agencies. We are working with the regional development agencies and other stakeholders to ensure that we take full advantage of this additional funding to build on the success that has already been achieved.

Manufacturing Advisory Service

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the total annual projected resource budget is for the Manufacturing Advisory Service.

Jacqui Smith: Following the 2004 Spending Review announcement, the Department's expenditure in support of the regional operations of the Manufacturing Advisory Service will be £5 million in 2005–06, £6 million in 2006–07, and £6 million in 2007–08, match funded by the Regional Development Agencies. In addition, the Department will separately fund a contract to manage the MAS national network over the same period. The size of this contract has not yet been determined.

Manufacturing Advisory Service

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the annual projected resource budgets are for each of the regional manufacturing advisory services.

Jacqui Smith: The Department is currently in discussion with the Regional Development Agencies about the regional allocation of the Department's funding for the regional operations of the Manufacturing Advisory Service over the 2004 Spending Review period. The Regional Development Agencies will be expected to match fund the Department's own contribution.

Manufacturing Advisory Service

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the annual resource budgets have been for each of the regional manufacturing advisory services since 2002.

Jacqui Smith: The Department's budget allocation in support of the regional centres of the Manufacturing Advisory Service in the South East, London, West Midlands, North West, Yorkshire and the Humber, South West, and Wales, over the period 2001–02 to 2004–05, has been £1,350,000 each. The allocation to the North East has been £940,000, to the East Midlands £1,441,000 and East of England £1,145,000. The Department's budget allocation has been matched funded by the Regional Development Agencies in each region.

Manufacturing Advisory Service

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the total annual budget for the Manufacturing Advisory Service as a whole has been since 2002.

Jacqui Smith: The Department's total budget allocation for the regional operations of the Manufacturing Advisory Service over the period 2001–02 to 2004–05 has been £12.9 million, match funded by the Regional Development Agencies. The Department's budget allocation for the management of the Manufacturing Advisory Service national network over the same period has been £1.2 million.

Medical Research (Animals)

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans her Department has to improve protection for the (a) employees and (b) investors of companies which carry out medical research involving animals; and if she will make a statement.

Patricia Hewitt: The Government are determined to tackle animal rights extremists who attempt to stop individuals and companies going about their legitimate business.
	On 30 July, together with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Home Affairs, I announced a series of tough new measures which will help deal with the illegal activists who harass, threaten or physically attack those involved in vital, life-saving scientific research. Animal research has helped save hundreds of millions of lives, and is only carried out where absolutely necessary and under stringent controls. This research is subject to the strictest regulation: Britain has the most tightly controlled regime governing animal experiments in the world.
	The new proposals strengthen on-going action by the Government, the police, the Crown Prosecution Service and the courts to deal with criminal extremists and underline the Government's commitment to protecting the scientific community.

Ministerial Visits

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry 
	(1)  how many official visits she has made to the London Borough of Havering in the last 12 months;
	(2)  how many official visits she has made to Romford Market.

Patricia Hewitt: None.

Research Councils (Grants)

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the level of Government grant to each research council was in each of the last three years.

Patricia Hewitt: The specific allocation made to each of the seven UK Research Councils, from the Office of Science and Technology 's Science Budget, for the last three years, is fully outlined in the DTI's publication, entitled the Science Budget, 2001–02 to 2003–04. Copies of the document were placed in the Libraries of the House.

Science and Innovation Investment Framework

Sue Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what qualitative analysis was undertaken in the preparation of the paper Science and Innovation Investment Framework 2004–2014, published in July, to determine the likely consequences of the proposed investment strategy on the types of research projects undertaken in the United Kingdom.

Patricia Hewitt: A range of analysis was used in the preparation of the Science and Investment Framework 2004–2014 including a public consultation to which around 200 responses were received from individuals and organisations including businesses, charities, higher education institutes and representative organisations. The framework builds on the substantial work of the DTI Innovation report and the Lambert Review of Business-University Collaboration, both published in 2003. The proposed investment strategy does not attempt to determine the types of research projects that should be undertaken. Allocation of funding to specific projects will continue to be governed by excellence and relevance to the needs of potential users and the nation. The framework identifies the strategy to underpin the Government's ambition, shared with its partners in the private and not-for-profit sectors, is for the UK to be a key knowledge hub in the global economy, with a reputation for outstanding scientific and technological discovery as well as turning the knowledge into new products and services.

Science Expenditure

Sue Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will estimate the proportion of the United Kingdom total science spending which is fully independent of commercial interests; and what trends the Government have identified relating to past and future variations in this proportion of science spending in the UK.

Patricia Hewitt: The Government's commitment to the continuing excellence of UK science was reinforced by the outcome of the 2004 Spending Review, in which it announced annual real growth in the public science base of 5.8 per cent., through the DTI and DfES, which will see it climb to over £5 billion by 2007. That is more than a billion pounds more than this year and nearly double the expenditure in 1997. The Government fully recognise the role that public and private organisations including businesses and charities play in the investment of the science base. As, outlined in the Science and Innovation Framework 2004–14, we aim to further encourage collaboration between the various organisations. No estimate has been made of the proportion of the total spend which is fully independent of such interests.

NORTHERN IRELAND

Abortions

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what estimate he has made of the number of terminations performed in the Province in each of the last 10 years.

Angela Smith: The following table provides figures for the number of medical abortions recorded in Northern Ireland hospitals for each year from 1995 (the earliest year available) to 2003 (the latest year available).
	
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 1995 72 
			 1996 64 
			 1997 80 
			 1998 71 
			 1999 76 
			 2000 82 
			 2001 75 
			 2002 76 
			 2003 (Provisional) 73

Altnagelvin Hospital

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he to increase the number of critical care beds at Altnagelvin Hospital.

Angela Smith: The number of critical care beds at Altnagelvin Hospital has increased significantly in recent years. The hospital currently has nine critical care beds—five intensive care beds and four high dependency beds.
	Critical care capacity at Altnagelvin and other hospitals is kept under regular review and we would expect continued expansion in bed numbers in future years in response to continued increases in demand.

Ambulances

Lembit �pik: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many of the total ambulance accidents in the last two years in Northern Ireland were attributed to (a) driver error and (b) mechanical failure; and if he will make a statement.

Angela Smith: Of the 121 road traffic accidents involving Northern Ireland Ambulance Service ambulances in the last two years for which information is available (15 April 200214 April 2004), 16 have been attributed to driver error and none to mechanical failure. The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety does not hold information about accidents involving other ambulance service providers in Northern Ireland.

Ambulances

Lembit �pik: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many road traffic accidents involving Mercedes Sprinter ambulances in the last two years in Northern Ireland were attributed to (a) driver error and (b) mechanical failure; and if he will make a statement.

Angela Smith: Of the 64 road traffic accidents involving Northern Ireland Ambulance Service Mercedes Sprinter A and E ambulances in the last two years (15 April 200214 April 2004), 12 have been attributed to driver error and none to mechanical failure. My Department does not hold information about accidents involving other ambulance service providers in Northern Ireland.

Births

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many (a) recorded births and (b) birth defects there were in Northern Ireland in each of the last 10 years.

Angela Smith: (a) The number of recorded births in Northern Ireland each year from 1994 to 2003 (the latest year for which the data are available) is given in the following table.
	
		Number of recorded births (live and still) in Northern Ireland, 1994 to 2003
		
			  Births 
		
		
			 1994 24,251 
			 1995 23,838 
			 1996 24,535 
			 1997 24,218 
			 1998 23,790 
			 1999 23,089 
			 2000 21,605 
			 2001 22,074 
			 2002 21,507 
			 2003 21,756 
		
	
	(b) Information on all birth defects is not available. However, information is collected by the Chief Medical Officer on the number of children born each year suffering from a number of selected congenital malformations in Northern Ireland. This information is provided in the following table for the years 1994 to 2003.
	
		Number of selected congenital malformations, 1994 to 2003
		
			  Anencephalus Hydrocephalus Spina Bifida Downs Syndrome 
		
		
			 1994 3 6 19 29 
			 1995 3 10 12 25 
			 1996 6 5 6 38 
			 1997 3 9 9 45 
			 1998 7 10 11 42 
			 1999 5 13 8 27 
			 2000 0 13 9 32 
			 2001 5 11 13 36 
			 2002 6 9 9 12 
			 2003(13) 3 6 12 32 
		
	
	(13) Figures not yet published by CMO.

Cancer

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what (a) conclusions he has drawn and (b) actions he has taken following the publication of the second cancer statistics report of the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry.

Angela Smith: The All-Ireland Cancer Statistics Second Report 19982000 is a comprehensive and constructive outcome of the Memorandum of Understanding between Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and the National Cancer Institute in America. The report's data harmonisation, analysis and research will undoubtedly help to enhance our understanding of cancer. The report highlights areas of success and makes recommendations for action to improve cancer outcomes.
	Detailed consideration of the report's findings and recommendations is being undertaken as part of the work of the Northern Ireland Regional Cancer Services Framework Steering Group, which is chaired by the Chief Medical Officer. The Framework Steering Group was set up in January 2004 to consider the future development of cancer services, including prevention, early detection, screening and treatment. The Framework Steering Group, which aims to build on existing health promotion initiatives such as the Tobacco Action Plan, is expected to complete its recommendations by December 2004.

Education

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many (a) controlled grammar, (b) voluntary grammar, (c) Catholic maintained grammar, (d) controlled secondary, (e) Catholic maintained secondary, (f) grant maintained integrated, (g) controlled integrated and (h) independent schools in Northern Ireland provide post-primary education between the ages of 11 and 16 years; and how many pupils are educated in each.

Barry Gardiner: The number of schools and enrolments are as follows:
	
		
			  Number of schools providing post-primary education between the ages of 11 and 16 Year eight to 12 enrolments at these schools Total enrolment at these schools 
		
		
			 Controlled Grammar 17 10,838 14,883 
			 Voluntary Grammar 53 35,529 48,464 
			 Catholic Maintained Grammar 0 0 0 
			 Controlled Secondary 68 34,884 37,289 
			 Catholic Maintained Secondary 76 39,057 44,275 
			 Grant Maintained Integrated 14 6,876 8,070 
			 Controlled Integrated 4 1,951 2,007 
			 Independent Schools 13 353 781

Education

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what percentage of pupils educated in grammar schools in Northern Ireland gained five or more GCSEs at Grade A* to C in each of the last five academic years.

Barry Gardiner: Figures for 200304 are not yet available. The percentage of grammar school pupils gaining 5 or more GCSEs at Grade A*-C in each of the previous five academic years is as follows:
	
		
			  Percentage achieving 5+ GCSEs at Grades A*-C 
		
		
			 199899 95 
			 19992000 95 
			 200001 95 
			 200002 95 
			 200203 96

Education

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what percentage of pupils from Northern Ireland gained five or more GCSEs at Grade A*-C in each of the last five academic years; and what the figures were for England and Wales.

Barry Gardiner: Figures for 200304 are not yet available. The percentage of pupils gaining 5 or more GCSEs at Grade A*-C in each of the previous five years is as follows:
	
		
			 Percentage achieving 5+ GCSEs at Grades A*-C 199899 19992000 200001 2000102 200203 
		
		
			 Northern Ireland 56 57 57 59 59 
			 England 48 49 50 52 53 
			 Wales 48 49 50 50 51

Education

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what percentage of pupils from Northern Ireland gained two or more 'A' levels at Grade A*-E in each of the last five academic years; and what the figures were for England and Wales.

Barry Gardiner: Figures for 200304 are not yet available. The percentage of pupils gaining two or more A Levels at Grade A-E in Northern Ireland, England and Wales is as follows:
	
		
			 Percentage achieving 2+ A levels A-E 199899 19992000 200001 200102 200203 
		
		
			 Northern Ireland 92 93 93 95 95 
			 England(14) 82 83 87 89 90 
			 Wales 91 92 93 94 94 
		
	
	(14) Includes FE sector colleges

Education

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what percentage of pupils from Northern Ireland left school with no formal academic qualifications in each of the last five academic years; and what the figures were for England and Wales.

Barry Gardiner: Figures for 200203 and 200304 are not available. The percentage of Northern Ireland pupils leaving school with no formal qualifications in each of the previous five years is as follows:
	
		
			  Percentage 
		
		
			 200102 5.2 
			 200001 4.8 
			 19992000 3.6 
			 199899 2.7 
			 199798 3.1 
		
	
	My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education has advised me that equivalent information is not available for England and Wales.

Health Inequalities

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made towards removing inequality in (a) enjoyment of good health and (b) health services in Northern Ireland.

Angela Smith: There has been significant progress in removing inequality. This includes the comprehensive public health strategy, Investing for Health, which has set an ambitious cross-governmental agenda to improve health and well-being and reduce health inequalities. It also has been addressed through the continuous development of the capitation formula, which ensures that the allocation of resources between Boards reflects need and the higher costs of delivering services in rural areas. More generally, the level of investment in primary care and hospitals throughout Northern Ireland will benefit everyone, but particularly those who are most in need.

Health Service

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many patients were detained on mental health grounds in Northern Ireland hospitals in each of the last 10 years.

Angela Smith: Information on the number of patients detained annually on mental health grounds in Northern Ireland hospitals is available from the Psychiatric Census, which is carried out in mental illness and learning disability hospitals on 31 March each year. Figures for the position since 1996 are as follows.
	
		
			  Number of detained patients 
		
		
			 1996 345 
			 1997 383 
			 1998 390 
			 1999 408 
			 2000 365 
			 2001 348 
			 2002  
			 2003 394 
		
	
	Information is not available prior to 1996 and figures for 2004 are not yet available. Figures for 2002 have not been returned by all hospitals; therefore it is not possible to provide a total Northern Ireland figure for that year.

Health Service

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans there are to increase the number of specialist stroke units in the Province.

Angela Smith: There are already a number of specialist stroke units in Northern Ireland. In line with the evidence-based strategy for Stroke Services, stroke implementation teams have been established within each of the Health and Social Services Board areas. These teams will identify gaps in the current provision of stroke services and will explore the potential to increase further the number of specialist stroke units.

Health Service

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what public consultation process will occur following departmental recommendations from the review of public health functions in the Province.

Angela Smith: The recommendations from the Review of Public Health Function in Northern Ireland under consideration. Decisions on consultation have still to be taken.

Digital Hearing Aids

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what estimate has been made of the number of people in Northern Ireland who would benefit from a digital hearing aid who do not yet have one; and what plans there are to increase the number of patients using digital hearing aids.

Angela Smith: There are estimated to be over 100,000 hearing aid users in Northern Ireland, and audiologists consider that around 90 per cent. of these could benefit from a digital hearing aid (DHA).
	The new hearing aids were introduced on the health service, on a phased basis, in October 2003 and are supplied to new hearing aid users, if appropriate. It will take a number of years to re-assess every existing user's suitability for a DHA.
	The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety has included the wider provision of the new hearing aids in its Priorities for Action 200405, setting a target to supply 5,000 DHAs per year. An additional 0.5 million per year has been provided for this purpose, making a total of 1 million per year allocated to the provision of DHAs.

Digital Hearing Aids

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many patients have been provided with digital hearing aids in each of the last 12 months.

Angela Smith: Information on the numbers of persons provided with digital hearing aids is not available for each of the last 12 months. However, during the period from October 2003 to the end of January 2004, approximately 2,000 persons were provided with digital hearing aids.

Hospital-acquired Infections

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much was spent on infection control procedures at hospitals in Northern Ireland in each of the last 10 years.

Angela Smith: The information requested is not available.

Hospital-acquired Infections

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many (a) MRSA and (b) total staphylococcus aureus cases have been reported in the Province in each of the past five years.

Angela Smith: The information requested is as follows.
	
		Laboratory reports of MRSA bloodstream infections in Northern Ireland: 200004 (to 6 September)
		
			  
		
		
			 2000 130 
			 2001 190 
			 2002 184 
			 2003 252 
			 2004 153 
			 Total 909 
		
	
	
		Laboratory reports of all cases of staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections (including MRSA) in Northern Ireland: 200004 (to 6 September)
		
			  
		
		
			 2000 352 
			 2001 426 
			 2002 492 
			 2003 595 
			 2004 362 
			 Total 2,227 
		
	
	These figures are based on voluntary reports made by Trust laboratories.

Medical School

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment has been made of the need for a second medical school in the Province.

Angela Smith: I am aware that the University of Ulster intends to investigate the feasibility of a new medical school, based at its North West campus. Subsequently it will be necessary to consider how any proposal from the university might meet the tests of viability and sustainability, as well as how such a proposal would be funded and developed within the wider context of tertiary education within Northern Ireland.

Prosthetic Limbs

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on (a) funding for and (b) development of services for those with prosthetic limbs.

Angela Smith: Funding for the prosthetic service is provided from the Physical and Sensory Disability Programme of Care. In 200304 expenditure on the prosthetics service totalled just over l million.
	Representatives of the Prosthetic Users Forum met officials in the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety in the Autumn of 2003 to discuss the prosthetics service and in March 2004, Green Park Healthcare Trust submitted to the Department a copy of the report 'Needs Assessment for Northern Ireland Regional Prosthetic Service'. This included a service development plan for 200405 costing 360,000.
	The Department has included as an action in its Priorities for Action 200405:
	'Boards and Trust should collaborate with Green Park Trust to develop the range of prosthetics available. In particular, this should include wider provision of an improved range of prosthetics for some 125 users by 31 March 2005. Boards should submit final figures for 200405 in their September progress reports'.
	An additional 250,000 was allocated by the Department for this purpose.
	A further meeting between representatives of the Prosthetics Users Forum and Departmental officials is being arranged and this will assist in developing future plans to further develop the prosthetics service.

Prosthetic Limbs

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on services in the Province for those with prosthetic limbs.

Angela Smith: A regional prosthetics service is provided by Green Park Healthcare Trust, on the Musgrave Park Hospital site, which serves just under 1,800 prosthetic users across a spectrum of ages and disabilities. The service benchmarks its performance against other prosthetic centres throughout the UK.
	It is endeavouring to rise to the challenges of increased user expectation and new technology. Consideration is being given to further development. The service won the Prosthetics and Orthotics Services Innovation Award 2004, run by the Limbless Association in the UK.

Public Employees (Religion)

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the religious breakdown is of the employees of the Child Support Agency for Northern Ireland.

John Spellar: The following table details permanent and casual non-industrial NICS staff in the Child Support Agency as at 1 January 2004.
	
		
			 Community Background Number Percentage 
		
		
			 Protestant 798 45.1 
			 Catholic 943 53.3 
			 Not determined 29 1.6 
			 Total 1,770

Public Transport

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many passengers travelled on (a) Ulsterbus, (b) Citybus and (c) Northern Ireland Railways in each of the last five years.

John Spellar: The following table shows the number of passengers who travelled on Ulsterbus, Citybus and on Northern Ireland Railways over the last five years. The figures are in millions.
	
		Million
		
			  Ulsterbus Citybus Northern Ireland Railways 
		
		
			 19992000 48.2 21.3 5.9 
			 200001 46.8 20.3 5.9 
			 200102 44.8 20.2 6.2 
			 200203 46.0 19.9 6.3 
			 200304 45.9 19.5 6.9

Racism

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much was allocated to combating racism in Northern Ireland in each year since 1997.

Paul Murphy: You asked about the level of funding provided to combat racism in Northern Ireland since 1997.
	As I and my ministerial colleagues have repeatedly stated publicly the nature and evidence of racist-inspired violence and harassment of minority ethnic communities in Northern Ireland is both abhorrent and unacceptable to all right-minded people.
	In response, action continues to be taken across Government and in partnership with our colleagues in the statutory, voluntary, community and business sectors aimed at combating it and redressing the distress of those suffering it.
	It is also the intention of the various funding initiatives to help build the capacity of the communities concerned and the good relations with regard to the other communities here.
	In the years since 1997, the following funding has been allocated to support minority ethnic communities as well as addressing racism within Northern Ireland:
	
		
			  Sum awarded () 
		
		
			 199899 883,944.41 
			 19992000 794,547.09 
			 200001 284,194.42 
			 200102 701,857.46 
			 200203 1,401,293.33 
			 Total 4,065,836.60 
		
	
	The table details the total funding made available from the following range of sources for the period 1 April 1998 to 31 March 2003 inclusive:
	European programmes managed by Government Departments;
	Equality Commission NI;
	Community Relations Council; and
	Government Departments and non-departmental bodies.
	The funding has been provided to meet core funding central management and administrative costs, and enable organisations to develop and provide services.
	Details of funding provided since March 2003 is currently being collected and will be advised by supplementary answer at the earliest opportunity.

Warm Homes Scheme

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the take-up has been of the Warm Homes scheme in each Northern Ireland constituency for 2003, broken down by (a) numbers of installations and (b) total cost of work involved.

John Spellar: The information is as follows:
	
		
			 Constituency Cost Number of homes () 
		
		
			 South Down 858,206.81 837 
			 Fermanagh and South Tyrone 642,868.21 473 
			 Newry and Armagh 605,482.16 570 
			 Belfast North 401,833.58 461 
			 West Tyrone 535,021.67 452 
			 Upper Bann 512,632.66 566 
			 Mid-Ulster 481,125.69 426 
			 Strangford 329,061.64 305 
			 Lagan Valley 372,350.89 346 
			 Belfast West 309,711.43 412 
			 Foyle 327,759.35 381 
			 Belfast East 248,275.24 282 
			 East Antrim 246,630.49 277 
			 Belfast South 212,373.11 241 
			 East Londonderry 290,392.94 312 
			 North Antrim 301,131.06 324 
			 South Antrim 217,508.13 277 
			 North Down 224,916.53 204 
			 Total 7,117,281.59 7,146

Waste Disposal

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will estimate the most recent annual cost of disposing of (a) all waste and (b) disposable nappies in each council area in Northern Ireland.

Angela Smith: The three District Council Waste Management Partnerships are required to submit Annual Performance Reports to the Department of the Environment. The scope of these reports has recently been revised to include details of the combined costs for the treatment and disposal of wastes and the first new data set is due in October 2004. Information on disposal of disposable nappies is not collected separately by district councils. However, on receipt of the Annual Performance Reports, the Department will estimate the cost of treating and disposing of disposable nappies for Northern Ireland as a whole, as well as treatment and disposal costs for all wastes by district council. I will write to the hon. Lady when this information is available and a copy of the letter will be placed in the library.

HEALTH

Vegetarianism

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make it his policy (a) to devise a legal definition of the word vegetarian and (b) to ensure that vegetarian food products are clearly labelled; and if he will make a statement.

Melanie Johnson: The Government is aware of vegetarian consumers' concerns that some food products may be inappropriately labelled as 'suitable for vegetarians'.
	Consumers are protected by the Food Safety Act 1990 and the Trade Descriptions Act 1968, which contain general provisions outlawing false or misleading labelling. The Government therefore has no plans to introduce a legal definition of 'vegetarian'. It does, however, believe that establishing Food Standards Agency (FSA) advice for industry and enforcement authorities setting out minimum standards for use of the terms 'vegetarian' and 'vegan' may be helpful. The FSA plans to hold a stakeholder meeting on 24 September to explore this option.

Abortions

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many women from Northern Ireland had terminations in England or Wales in each of the past five years.

Melanie Johnson: I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend, the Member for Heywood and Middleton (Jim Dobbin) today.

Abortions

Jim Dobbin: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many women undergoing an abortion in England and Wales in (a) 2002 and (b) 2003 had had (i) one, (ii) two, (iii) three, (iv) four and (v) five or more previous abortions.

Melanie Johnson: This information is published in the annual Abortion Statistics, series AB, Office for National Statistics and Department of Health, Statistical Bulletin 2003/23 and Statistical Bulletin 2004/14, copies of which have been placed in the Library.

Criminal Record Bureau

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether Criminal Record Bureau checks performed by one NHS organisation can be transferred for use by another.

John Hutton: In principle, Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) disclosures are transferable between national health service employers and, in order to reduce bureaucracy and cost, the CRB has produced guidance to help employers through the procedure. But it is for the new employer to decide whether to accept a disclosure issued previously, having regard to such factors as the age of the disclosure, the similarity of the positions applied for and the nature of the information disclosed on the previous occasion.

Ectopic Pregnancies

Jane Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many ectopic pregnancies there were per 1,000 population for each major ethnic group in the last year for which figures are available.

Stephen Ladyman: The table shows the number of hospital episodes for ectopic pregnancies and the number of hospital deliveries, 200203. The information is taken from the hospital episode statistics (HES).
	
		Ectopic pregnancies, national health service hospitals, England. Number of hospital episodes for ectopic pregnancy and number of hospital deliveries, 200203
		
			  Number of ectopic pregnancies Number of deliveries Percentage 
		
		
			 Asian 286 34,438 0.83 
			 Black 447 22,206 2.01 
			 Chinese and other 164 11,508 1.43 
			 Mixed 69 3,554 1.94 
			 White 4,819 306,830 1.57 
			 Not given 3,022 168,036 1.80 
			 
			 Total 8,870 546,572 1.62 
		
	
	Note:
	Figures have not been adjusted for shortfalls in data (i.e. the data are ungrossed). Ethnicity data on HES should be used with care and may not yet be robust enough to support analysis of ethnic differences.
	Source:
	HES.

Free Eye Tests

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many old age pensioners in the Tamworth constituency have benefited from the introduction of free eye tests in each year since 1997.

Stephen Ladyman: Data for the number of sight tests by constituency or by the number of pensioners are not collected centrally. Free sight tests for patients aged 60 and over came into effect on 1 April 1999.
	The total number of national health service sight tests paid for patients aged 60 and over in the Shropshire and Staffordshire Strategic Health Authority for the years 19992000 to 200304 are shown in the table.
	
		
			  Sight tests 
		
		
			 19992000 105,830 
			 200001 120,100 
			 200102 115,940 
			 200203 138,050 
			 200304 139,450 
		
	
	Note:
	Some patients aged 60 and over will be eligible for sight tests for other reasons as well, for example, on income grounds. The classification for such patients will depend on the patient and the practitioner.
	Sight tests cannot be equated to the numbers of patients. Although most people do not come back for a sight test within the year, some patients suffering from medical conditions are advised to have re-examinations sooner.

Free School Fruit

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many children in the Tamworth constituency benefit from the free fruit in schools scheme.

Stephen Ladyman: 3,774 children in the Tamworth constituency are benefiting from the school fruit and vegetable scheme. This represents a 100 per cent. take-up in 31 schools.

Free School Fruit

Sandra Gidley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many children in the Romsey constituency benefit from the free fruit in schools scheme.

Melanie Johnson: Romsey will join the school fruit and vegetable scheme in November 2004, when children aged four to six will start receiving a free piece of fruit or vegetable each school day. There are 966 eligible children at schools with a Romsey post code.

General Practitioners

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what mechanism has been put in place to enable the smooth transfer of a general practitioner transferring from one primary care trust's performers' list to another.

John Hutton: The mechanism by which a general practitioner moves from one primary care trust's primary medical performers list to another is specified in regulations 17(3) and (4) of the NHS (Performers Lists) Regulations 2004 (SI 2004/585). Information about operation of medical performers lists is available on the Department's website at: http://www.dh.gov.uk/PolicyAndGuidance/OrganisationPolicy/PrimaryCare/ManagementPrimaryCarePractitioners/fs/en

Gloucestershire Aneurism Screening

Parmjit Dhanda: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment his Department has made of the Gloucestershire Aneurism Screening Project; and if he will assess the case for extending the project across England.

Howard Stoate: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  if he will introduce a national screening programme for abdominal aortic aneurysms;
	(2)  what assessment he has made of the screening pilot project for abdominal aortic aneurysms in Gloucestershire; and if he will make a statement.

Melanie Johnson: holding answer 7 September 2004
	The United Kingdom national screening (NSC) committee makes recommendations to Ministers on all aspects of screening programmes. It is currently considering the evidence for, and the feasibility of, implementing a screening programme for abdominal aortic aneurysms, including the implications for the national health service, before advising Ministers.
	While screening has the potential to save lives or improve health through early diagnosis of serious conditions, there are benefits and drawbacks. The Government will take all factors into account, in particular the advice of the NSC, but also the experience of the Gloucestershire project, before reaching decisions.

Home Deliveries

Helen Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what care an NHS trust is required to provide to women wishing to have a home birth.

Stephen Ladyman: If a National Health Service trust provides a home birth service, it should ensure that suitably skilled midwives are available to attend the woman and to provide care and support throughout the labour and birth. Appropriate transfer arrangements should also be in place in case the woman or baby needs specialist medical care.

Hospital Infections/MRSA

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when Towards cleaner hospitals and lower rates of infection: A summary of action was commissioned; when it was signed off and ready for publication; and when it was decided to publish it.

Melanie Johnson: We have an ongoing programme of work on infection control and hospital cleanliness, informed by advice from the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and the Chief Nursing Officer, which has produced publications such as the CMO's Getting Ahead of the Curve and Winning Ways. A summation of this work was commissioned by the Secretary of State on 1 July 2004 to improve public understanding of what was being done. The Secretary of State approved a final text of Towards Cleaner Hospitals and Lower Infection Rates on 9 July 2004 and the document was published and posted on the Department's website on 12 July 2004.

Hospital Infections/MRSA

Clive Efford: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to ensure that the same (a) methods and (b) criteria are used to detect MRSA in all acute hospitals and in each department within those hospitals.

Melanie Johnson: The detection and identification of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in samples is set out in the Bacteriology Standard Operating Procedures (BSOP) issued by the Health Protection Agency. All National Health Service laboratories accredited by Clinical Pathology Accreditation (UK) must have in place standard operating procedures that are based on, or give equivalent results to these BSOP Standards.
	Patients who develop infection will have samples taken as part of their clinical care but trusts will also carryout screening for MRSA infection and colonisation. The NHS is recommended to use the report of a working party of the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, the Hospital Infection Society, and the Infection Control Nurses Association, published in 1998. This gives guidance on which patients should be screened for infection or colonisation by MRSA but policies will need to take account of local circumstances.

Infant Mortality

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to his answer of 1 July 2004, Official Report, column 409W, on infant mortality, if he will set out (a) the baseline for the target to reduce the gap by 10 per cent. by 2010, (b) what the gap should be in 2010 if the target is met and (c) the current size of the gap between routine and manual groups and the population as a whole.

Stephen Ladyman: The baseline is the average of the three years 199799. In the baseline period, the infant mortality rate per 1,000 live births among routine and manual groups was 13 per cent. higher than the overall rate in all social groups (6.3 deaths per 1,000 live births compared with 5.6). I would underline that the target is to reduce the gap by at least 10 per cent. For the target to be met, in 2010 the infant mortality rate among the routine and manual group will be at most 11.7 per cent. higher than in all social groups. On the latest available data, 200002, the infant mortality rate among the routine and manual group was 16 per cent. higher than in all social groups.
	Notes
	1. Social groups are as defined in the National Statistics socio-economic classification.
	2. Figures for 'all social groups' and 'routine and manual groups' are for live births within marriage and joint registrations only, as social class can be allocated only to those groups where the occupation of the child's father can be identified.
	3. The 'routine and manual' category consists of people in lower supervisory employment, sales and retail assistants, agricultural workers and technical occupations, semi-routine occupations, and routine occupations.

Mental Health

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will outline his Department's plans for the Mind Out for Mental Health campaign; what evaluation has been made of it; and how much has been spent on it.

Rosie Winterton: The Mind out for Mental Health campaign ended on 31 March 2004. In June, we announced a new five-year strategic plan to tackle stigma and discrimination on mental health grounds, which will build on the work of the Mind out for Mental Health campaign and will be formally launched on World Mental Health Day, 10 October.
	The Mind out for Mental Health campaign was evaluated twice: at the end of 200102 and 200203. Additional research was carried out on Read the Signs, a strand of the campaign specifically targeted at young people. Copies of the evaluation reports have been placed in the Library.
	A total of 3,473,000 was spent on the campaign since its launch in March 2001.

Myasthenia Gravis

Tony Colman: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will increase the numbers of consultants and nurses qualified to diagnose and treat myasthenia gravis.

John Hutton: Information on the number of consultants, doctors and nurses specifically qualified to diagnose and treat myasthenia gravis is not collected centrally.
	As at March 2004, there were 427 consultants in neurology. Since September 1997, numbers have increased by 149, or 54 per cent., and we are working towards increasing their numbers further.
	We are encouraging more doctors to practise neurology by expanding the number of specialist registrar (SpR) opportunities in the specialty.
	In 200304, central funding has been distributed to support the implementation of 10 additional SpR posts in neurology. All the posts have now been implemented. Trusts also have the opportunity to create up to 20 locally funded SpR training opportunities. Trusts were surveyed in February 2004, when six locally funded opportunities had been implemented, with the remaining 14 planned to have been implemented by August 2004.
	In 200405, neurology has been allocated a further two centrally funded posts and strategic health authorities have been given freedom to agree as many additional SpR training opportunities as are necessary to achieve Working Time Directive compliance, subject to obtaining educational approval.
	The number of nurses overall employed in the national health service has increased by 77,500 since 1997 and we are increasing the number of training places for nurses and midwives. Between 199697 and 200304, the number of students entering training to become a nurse or midwife has increased by 9,300, or 62 per cent.

National Service Framework for Children

Hilton Dawson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he proposes to publish the national service framework for children.

Stephen Ladyman: holding answer dated 22 July 2004
	The national service framework was published today.

NHS and Primary Care Trusts (Funding)

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 13 July 2004, Official Report, column 1100W, on NHS and primary care trusts (funding), under which part of the Code of Practice on Access to Official Information he declines to make available figures collected by strategic health authorities on the financial position of NHS trusts and primary care trusts.

John Hutton: This information is considered to be exempt under Part II of the Code of Practice on Access to Government information.

NHS Targets

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health which previously published targets set for the NHS remain in place which are not listed in either the list of future targets or those to be achieved by March 2005 in the planning and priorities framework for 2005 to 2008.

John Hutton: There are only 20 new national requirements set out in National Standards Local Action, the health and social care standards and planning framework for 2005 to 2008.
	Fewer national requirements will create more scope for local priorities so that the national health service and social care has much more flexibility to deliver personalised services for patients and to recognise local needs and priorities.
	While there is a need to focus on new priorities, it is essential that levels of service set through previous planning rounds are maintained. The Department will continue to monitor and report on all the commitments made.

Orthotics

Mark Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to develop the pathfinder programme with regard to orthotics.

John Hutton: The pathfinder project was designed to deliver real changes at local level and to improve care for patients and included a consultation period with all the key stakeholders to determine how the findings of the orthotic pathfinder report can be adopted nationally and what resources services would need to achieve this.
	This report differs from previous reports in that it describes a project that was designed to deliver the changes necessary to improve patient care rather than merely comment on the state of existing services. The document details the experiences of six trusts as they went through a process of change and the benefits that can be achieved if these changes were rolled out across the rest of the NHS. It details the specific changes made to improve the access to and clinical effectiveness of orthotic clinics.
	The report has been published on the national health service purchasing and supply agency website and stakeholders have now the opportunity to respond. The report is intended not only to force the debate for change, but also to serve as a resource for those working to develop local solutions to local problems. We hope the information it contains can be widely shared, explored and evaluated both within and beyond the orthotic community. It would be premature to comment in advance of the community's response to this report and further evaluation on how we develop this important area of health.

Working Time Directive

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent assessment he has made of the impact in the NHS of the working time directive on (a) the training of junior hospital doctors, (b) nurses and (c) accident and emergency departments in hospitals.

John Hutton: Compliance with the working time directive (WTD) is a legal requirement for all employers. Responsibility for its implementation in the national health service rests with local operational authorities. We have vested responsibility for monitoring compliance with strategic health authorities (SHAs), as part of mainstream NHS performance management.
	NHS trusts' plans to comply with the WTD were agreed with SHAs, which continue to support their achievement throughout the NHS. These plans take account of the need to maintain the quality of medical education and training; to develop the contribution made by staff in other disciplines; and to continue to provide excellent services to patients.